Smooths vs Smoothes: Which is Right?

When it comes to the English language, there are many words that sound similar but are spelled differently. This can be confusing, especially for non-native speakers. Two such words are "smooths" and "smoothes".

Spelling	Meaning
Smooths	Present tense of the verb "smooth"
Smoothes	Third-person singular present tense of the verb "smooth"

How to Use "Smooths" and "Smoothes"

The verb "smooth" means to make something smooth or even. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as:

Smoothing a piece of wood

Smoothing a wrinkle in a piece of fabric

Smoothing over a disagreement

The present tense of the verb "smooth" is "smooths." This is used when the action is happening right now. For example:

The carpenter smooths the wood with a sander.

The third-person singular present tense of the verb "smooth" is "smoothes." This is used when the subject is in the third person singular (he, she, it) and the action is happening right now. For example:

The sander smoothes the wood.

Benefits of Using "Smooths" and "Smoothes" Correctly

Using "smooths" and "smoothes" correctly can help you to communicate more clearly and effectively. It can also help you to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.

Story 1

Benefit: Using "smooths" and "smoothes" correctly can help you to sound more professional.

How to do it: Make sure to use "smooths" when the subject is in the first or second person (I, you, we, they) and the action is happening right now. Use "smoothes" when the subject is in the third person singular (he, she, it) and the action is happening right now.

Story 2

Benefit: Using "smooths" and "smoothes" correctly can help you to avoid confusion.

How to do it: Be careful not to use "smooths" when the subject is in the third person singular. This can lead to confusion because it can sound like the action is happening in the past.

Section 1: Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake that people make is to use "smooths" when the subject is in the third person singular. For example:

The carpenter smooths the wood with a sander.

This is incorrect. The correct way to say this is:

The carpenter smoothes the wood with a sander.

Section 2: Advanced Features

In addition to the basic rules, there are a few advanced features of "smooths" and "smoothes" that you should be aware of.

One advanced feature is the use of "smooths" in the progressive tense. The progressive tense is used to describe an action that is happening over a period of time. For example:

The carpenter is smoothing the wood.

This means that the carpenter is in the process of smoothing the wood.

Another advanced feature is the use of "smoothes" in the passive voice. The passive voice is used to describe an action that is done to something. For example:

The wood is smoothed by the sander.

This means that the wood is being smoothed by the sander.

FAQs About “smooths vs smoothes”

Q: What is the difference between "smooths" and "smoothes"?

A: "Smooths" is the present tense of the verb "smooth" and is used when the subject is in the first or second person (I, you, we, they) and the action is happening right now. "Smoothes" is the third-person singular present tense of the verb "smooth" and is used when the subject is in the third person singular (he, she, it) and the action is happening right now.

Q: When should I use "smooths"?

A: You should use "smooths" when the subject is in the first or second person (I, you, we, they) and the action is happening right now. For example:

I smooth the wood with a sander.

You smooth the wood with a sander.

We smooth the wood with a sander.

They smooth the wood with a sander.

Q: When should I use "smoothes"?

A: You should use "smoothes" when the subject is in the third person singular (he, she, it) and the action is happening right now. For example:

He smooths the wood with a sander.

She smooths the wood with a sander.

It smooths the wood with a sander.

Smooths vs Smoothes: Which is Right?