Grammar: Sequence Words and the Simple Present

Class 6 English · Chapter 13: Hamara Bharat—Incredible India! · NCERT Poorvi section pp. 136–137

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Sequence words tell the order of steps in a process: to begin with, first (start) → then, next, after that (middle) → finally, at last (end). "First, we clean the shell. Then we sand it. After that, we shape it. Finally, we polish it."

Simple present describes habits, facts and how things are usually done. With he, she, it or one person/thing, add -s: draw → draws, make → makes. Add -es after s, sh, ch, x, o: wash → washes, mix → mixes, go → goes. Consonant + y → -ies: try → tries. With I, we, you, they: no -s ("They make toys").

Practice: describe Priyaranjan's craft in the simple present with sequence words: "First, the craftsman makes a clay figure. Then he covers it with wax. Next, he carves the design. After that, he heats it. Finally, he pours in brass."

Explore: -s or -es?

1. Sort the verbs for he/she.

Remember

• Sequence words: first/to begin → then/next/after that → finally/at last.
• Simple present with he/she/it: -s, or -es after s, sh, ch, x, o.

Quick check

Choose the correct form: "She ____ the bowl." (polish)

1. polishes
2. polishs
3. polish
4. polishing

Think about it

Describe how you get ready for school in four sentences using sequence words.

Practice

Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.