eats
eats 30초 만에
- Eats is the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'to eat,' used with subjects like he, she, it, or singular nouns.
- It primarily describes the biological act of consuming food but can also be used metaphorically to mean using up resources or time.
- Informally, 'eats' functions as a plural noun meaning food or snacks, common in phrases like 'cheap eats' or 'good eats.'
- Grammatically, it requires the auxiliary 'does' for questions and negatives, where the verb then reverts to the base form 'eat.'
The word eats is a versatile term in the English language, primarily functioning as the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'to eat.' At its most fundamental level, it describes the biological act of consuming food for sustenance. However, its usage extends far beyond the simple mechanics of chewing and swallowing. In a grammatical sense, 'eats' is the form we use when the subject is 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or a singular noun like 'the dog' or 'Sarah.' For example, 'The lion eats its prey' or 'She eats an apple every morning.' This distinction is crucial for learners because English requires this specific suffix '-s' to maintain subject-verb agreement in the present tense, a rule that often presents a hurdle for those transitioning from languages with different conjugation patterns.
- Biological Necessity
- Refers to the consumption of nutrients required for survival. Every living organism eats in some capacity, though the method varies.
Beyond the literal, 'eats' has a fascinating informal life as a plural noun. When someone asks, 'Where are the good eats in this town?' they are using the word to refer to food, snacks, or a collection of restaurants. This usage is particularly common in American English and has been popularized by media, such as the famous television show 'Good Eats' hosted by Alton Brown. In this context, it transforms from an action into an object of desire or a destination. It suggests a casual, approachable atmosphere, often associated with street food, local diners, or comfort food rather than high-end fine dining. This dual nature—verb and noun—makes 'eats' a unique entry in the lexicon of daily life.
The rust slowly eats away at the old metal gate, turning it to dust over many years.
Furthermore, 'eats' is frequently used metaphorically to describe consumption that isn't related to food. We say that a car 'eats' gas if it has poor fuel efficiency, or that a hobby 'eats' up all of someone's free time. This metaphorical 'eating' implies a sense of depletion or total absorption. If a project 'eats' your budget, it means the resources are being swallowed by the demands of the task. This figurative use is common in professional and casual settings alike, allowing speakers to convey the intensity or the demanding nature of a situation through a familiar biological lens.
- Metaphorical Consumption
- Used to describe things that use up resources, time, or energy in a way that resembles devouring food.
In social contexts, the word 'eats' often implies a routine. When we say 'He eats at noon,' we are not just describing a single event, but a habit or a scheduled part of his day. This habitual present tense is one of the most common ways the word is deployed. It helps establish character traits or daily rhythms. In literature, a character who 'eats' slowly might be portrayed as thoughtful or meticulous, whereas one who 'eats' like a wolf is seen as desperate or primal. Thus, the word serves as a tool for characterization, providing a window into the behavior and status of the subject through their relationship with food.
The new software eats through the computer's battery life in just two hours.
Finally, the noun form 'eats' is often paired with adjectives to describe the quality of a meal. Phrases like 'cheap eats,' 'late-night eats,' or 'healthy eats' are staples of travel guides and food blogs. This usage categorizes food experiences based on specific criteria, helping people navigate the vast world of culinary options. Whether it's a verb describing a biological necessity or a noun describing a social experience, 'eats' remains one of the most fundamental and frequently used words in the English language, bridging the gap between basic survival and cultural expression.
Every morning, the cat eats its breakfast before anyone else in the house is awake.
- Noun Usage
- A plural noun referring to food or snacks, typically used in casual conversation or marketing.
She eats like a bird, barely touching the large plate of pasta in front of her.
This city is famous for its late-night eats, with taco trucks open until dawn.
Using the word eats correctly requires a solid understanding of English subject-verb agreement. Because it is the third-person singular form, it must always follow a singular subject that is not 'I' or 'you.' This includes pronouns like 'he,' 'she,' and 'it,' as well as singular nouns like 'the student,' 'my mother,' or 'the bird.' A common error for learners is to omit the 's' when the subject is singular, or to add it when the subject is plural. For instance, 'The boys eats' is incorrect; it should be 'The boys eat.' Conversely, 'The boy eat' is also incorrect; it must be 'The boy eats.' Mastering this distinction is a hallmark of reaching the B1 level of English proficiency.
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- The grammatical rule that the verb must match the number of the subject. 'Eats' is the singular form for third-person subjects.
In sentences describing habits or general truths, 'eats' is the standard choice. For example, 'A cow eats grass' is a general truth about the animal's diet. 'John eats lunch at 1:00 PM' describes a daily habit. When using 'eats' in these contexts, you are providing information about the nature or routine of the subject. It is important to note that 'eats' is used for the present tense only. If the action happened in the past, you would use 'ate,' and if it is happening right now in a continuous sense, you would use 'is eating.' Therefore, 'eats' specifically highlights a recurring or permanent state rather than a momentary action.
My brother eats dinner while watching the news every single evening.
When 'eats' is used as a noun, it typically appears in the plural form and is often preceded by an adjective. You might hear someone say, 'We went to the stadium for the game and the eats.' Here, 'eats' functions as a collective term for the food available. It is almost never used as a singular noun ('an eat' is not standard English). This noun usage is informal and is most frequently found in casual conversation, advertising, or social media posts about food. It carries a connotation of enjoyment and variety, suggesting that the food is part of an experience rather than just a meal.
- Habitual Present
- A tense used to describe actions that happen regularly or are always true. 'Eats' is a primary verb for this tense.
Negative sentences and questions involving 'eats' require the auxiliary verb 'does.' This is a point of confusion for many. While the affirmative is 'He eats,' the negative is 'He does not eat' (not 'He not eats' or 'He does not eats'). Similarly, the question form is 'Does he eat?' (not 'Eats he?' or 'Does he eats?'). Notice that the 's' moves from the main verb 'eat' to the auxiliary verb 'do,' turning it into 'does.' This grammatical shift is vital for correct sentence construction and is a frequent focus of English language examinations.
Does she eat meat, or is she a vegetarian?
In more complex sentence structures, 'eats' can be part of a relative clause. For example, 'The person who eats the most wins a prize.' Here, 'eats' is the verb for the relative pronoun 'who,' which refers back to the singular 'person.' Understanding how 'eats' interacts with these different parts of speech allows for more sophisticated communication. Whether you are describing a simple habit, asking a question about someone's diet, or using the word as a fun, informal noun, 'eats' is a flexible and essential component of the English speaker's toolkit.
The engine eats up oil much faster than it should, indicating a leak.
- Auxiliary Verb Usage
- The use of 'does' in questions and negatives, which causes the main verb 'eats' to lose its '-s' suffix.
The restaurant is known for its amazing eats and live jazz music.
He eats a very healthy diet consisting mostly of vegetables and lean protein.
The word eats is ubiquitous in daily English conversation, appearing in a variety of settings from the kitchen table to the corporate boardroom. In a domestic setting, you will hear it constantly when discussing the habits of family members or pets. Parents might say, 'The baby finally eats solid food,' or a pet owner might remark, 'My dog only eats the expensive brand of kibble.' These are literal, everyday uses that ground the word in the reality of caretaking and daily routine. Because eating is a universal human experience, the verb that describes it for others is naturally one of the first words learned and most frequently spoken.
- Domestic Settings
- Conversations about family, pets, and daily routines often feature 'eats' to describe dietary habits.
In the world of media and entertainment, 'eats' has a strong presence, particularly in food criticism and travel shows. You will often see titles like 'Best Eats in London' or 'Cheap Eats for Students.' In these contexts, the word is used as a noun to signify a curated selection of food options. Food influencers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok frequently use the hashtag #eats to categorize their content. This has given the word a trendy, modern vibe, moving it away from the purely functional 'third-person verb' and into the realm of lifestyle and culture. When a reviewer says, 'This place has some of the best eats in the city,' they are endorsing the quality and variety of the food served there.
'Welcome back to the show where we find the best eats across the country!'
You will also hear 'eats' in scientific or educational contexts, specifically when discussing biology and the food chain. A teacher might explain, 'The frog eats insects to survive,' or a nature documentary narrator might whisper, 'The predator eats only when it is absolutely necessary.' In these scenarios, 'eats' is used to describe the ecological roles of different species. It is a neutral, factual way to convey how energy is transferred through an ecosystem. This usage is common in textbooks, documentaries, and science museums, where the focus is on the natural world and the survival strategies of animals.
- Scientific Context
- Used in biology to describe the diet and predatory behavior of organisms within an ecosystem.
In the workplace, 'eats' often appears in metaphorical expressions. A manager might complain that 'this project eats up too many resources,' or a developer might note that 'the background process eats into the CPU performance.' Here, the word conveys a sense of consumption that is detrimental or excessive. It suggests that something is being 'devoured' by an inefficient process. This metaphorical use is a quick and effective way to communicate the impact of a problem on a system or a budget, making it a staple of professional jargon in tech and business.
'We need to fix this bug because it eats through the server memory very quickly.'
Finally, you will hear 'eats' in idiomatic expressions that have become part of the common vernacular. Phrases like 'eats humble pie' (to admit one is wrong) or 'eats like a horse' (to eat a large amount) are heard in movies, books, and casual talk. These idioms add color and depth to the language, allowing speakers to convey complex social situations or personality traits through a simple verb. Whether it's a literal description of a meal, a metaphorical complaint about a computer, or a trendy noun for a food truck, 'eats' is a word that resonates across all levels of English-speaking society.
He eats humble pie every time his predictions about the game turn out to be wrong.
- Professional Jargon
- Metaphorical use in business and tech to describe the consumption of resources like time, money, or processing power.
The travel blogger always looks for the most authentic local eats when visiting a new country.
She eats her lunch at her desk so she can finish her work early.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with eats is failing to apply the third-person singular '-s' rule. In many languages, verbs do not change their ending based on the subject in the same way English does. Consequently, a student might say 'He eat breakfast' instead of 'He eats breakfast.' This error is particularly common because the base form 'eat' is used for 'I,' 'you,' 'we,' and 'they.' The inconsistency of adding the 's' only for 'he,' 'she,' and 'it' can be frustrating, but it is a fundamental rule that must be internalized to achieve fluency. Practicing with singular subjects is the best way to overcome this habit.
- Missing Suffix
- Forgetting to add the '-s' when the subject is he, she, it, or a singular noun.
Another common error occurs in the formation of negative sentences and questions. As mentioned earlier, the 's' moves to the auxiliary verb 'does.' Learners often make the mistake of keeping the 's' on the main verb, resulting in 'Does he eats?' or 'He doesn't eats.' Both are grammatically incorrect. The rule is that once 'does' or 'doesn't' is used, the main verb must return to its base form. Remembering 'The 's' goes to the helper' can be a useful mnemonic. This mistake is often heard even from intermediate learners who are speaking quickly, as the brain tends to want to keep the verb conjugated for the subject.
Incorrect: He doesn't eats vegetables. Correct: He doesn't eat vegetables.
Confusing 'eats' with 'is eating' is another area where mistakes happen. 'Eats' describes a habit or a general fact, while 'is eating' describes an action happening at the moment of speaking. If you say 'He eats an apple,' you mean he does this regularly. If you see him with an apple in his hand right now, you should say 'He is eating an apple.' Using 'eats' for a temporary action can sound strange to native speakers, as it implies the person is constantly in the state of eating that specific item. Distinguishing between the simple present and the present continuous is vital for accurate communication.
- Tense Confusion
- Using the simple present 'eats' to describe a temporary action that is currently in progress.
There is also the potential for confusion when 'eats' is used as a noun. Because it looks like a verb, some learners might try to use it as a singular noun, saying 'That was a good eat.' In English, 'eats' as a noun is almost exclusively plural. If you want to refer to a single instance of food, you would use 'meal,' 'snack,' or 'dish.' Using 'eats' as a singular noun sounds unnatural and is not recognized in standard or even most informal dialects. It is always 'the eats,' never 'an eat.'
Incorrect: I had a great eat at the cafe. Correct: I had a great meal at the cafe.
Finally, learners sometimes over-apply the '-s' rule to plural subjects, saying 'The cats eats.' This happens when the learner associates the 's' on the noun (cats) with an 's' on the verb. However, in English, if the noun is plural, the verb does not take an 's.' It's a bit of a 'see-saw' effect: if the subject has an 's' (plural), the verb usually doesn't; if the subject doesn't have an 's' (singular), the verb does. Keeping this balance in mind can help prevent one of the most persistent errors in English grammar.
Incorrect: The dogs eats their food quickly. Correct: The dogs eat their food quickly.
- Over-Conjugation
- Adding an '-s' to the verb when the subject is already plural.
Does your sister eat spicy food? (Correct use of 'does' + base verb).
The rust eats the car. (Correct singular subject 'rust' + 'eats').
While eats is the most common and direct word for consuming food, the English language offers a rich variety of synonyms that convey different nuances of speed, volume, and social context. For example, 'consumes' is a more formal and scientific alternative. While 'eats' is used in daily talk, 'consumes' is often found in nutritional reports or formal descriptions of energy use. You might say, 'The average person eats 2,000 calories,' but a scientist would write, 'The subject consumes 2,000 calories daily.' 'Consumes' also works well for the metaphorical 'eating' of resources like electricity or fuel.
- Consumes vs. Eats
- 'Consumes' is more formal and often used in scientific, technical, or economic contexts.
If you want to describe someone eating very quickly or hungrily, 'devours' is an excellent choice. This word suggests a level of intensity that 'eats' lacks. 'He eats his dinner' is a neutral statement, but 'He devours his dinner' implies he was starving or that the food was incredibly delicious. Similarly, 'gobbles' or 'wolfs down' are informal ways to describe eating fast. These words add a descriptive, almost visual element to the sentence, helping the listener imagine the scene more vividly. 'Wolfs down' in particular carries a connotation of animalistic speed.
After the long hike, she devours the entire sandwich in just a few bites.
On the other end of the spectrum, 'dines' is a more elegant and formal alternative. It suggests a slow, enjoyable meal, often in a social or upscale setting. You wouldn't usually say someone 'dines' on a quick snack; rather, they 'dine' at a restaurant or 'dine' with friends. 'Dines' elevates the act of eating into a social event. Another alternative is 'partakes of,' which is quite old-fashioned and formal, often used in literature or very polite speech. For example, 'He partakes of a light breakfast' sounds much more sophisticated than 'He eats a light breakfast.'
- Dines vs. Eats
- 'Dines' implies a more formal, social, or high-quality eating experience.
For the noun form of 'eats,' alternatives include 'fare,' 'cuisine,' or simply 'food.' 'Fare' is a slightly more formal or literary word, often used in phrases like 'traditional fare' or 'simple fare.' 'Cuisine' refers to a specific style of cooking, such as 'Italian cuisine.' While 'eats' is casual and broad, 'cuisine' is specific and often carries a sense of culinary expertise. If you are writing a review for a high-end magazine, you would likely use 'cuisine'; if you are texting a friend about a cool new taco truck, 'eats' is the perfect fit.
The restaurant offers a variety of local fare, from fresh seafood to hearty stews.
Finally, 'grazes' and 'snacks' describe eating small amounts of food frequently rather than having full meals. 'He grazes all day' suggests someone who is constantly eating little bits of food, much like a cow in a field. 'Snacks' is both a verb and a noun, and it is very common in daily life. By choosing the right alternative to 'eats,' you can provide more detail about the manner, setting, and intensity of the consumption, making your English more expressive and precise.
Instead of eating a big lunch, he just grazes on nuts and fruit throughout the afternoon.
- Grazes vs. Eats
- 'Grazes' describes eating small amounts frequently, often without a set mealtime.
The critic praised the restaurant's innovative cuisine and elegant atmosphere.
He wolfs down his breakfast because he is always running late for the bus.
How Formal Is It?
"The biological organism eats only organic matter."
"He eats a balanced diet to maintain his health."
"This place has some really great eats."
"The hungry bunny eats the orange carrot. Yum!"
"Her new look absolutely eats."
재미있는 사실
The use of 'eats' as a noun (meaning food) only became common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in American slang. Before that, it was strictly a verb form.
발음 가이드
- Adding an extra vowel sound at the end, making it sound like 'eat-es'.
- Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z' sound (it should be a sharp 's').
- Making the 'ee' sound too short, like the 'i' in 'its'.
- Failing to pronounce the 't' clearly before the 's'.
- Dropping the 's' entirely in speech.
난이도
Very easy to recognize in text as it is a fundamental verb.
Slightly harder due to the need to remember the third-person 's'.
Requires conscious effort to apply the correct conjugation in real-time.
The 's' sound is usually clear and easy to distinguish.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Third-Person Singular -s
He eats (Singular) vs. They eat (Plural).
Auxiliary 'Does' in Questions
Does she eat? (The 's' moves to 'does').
Auxiliary 'Does' in Negatives
He doesn't eat. (The 's' moves to 'doesn't').
Simple Present for Habits
She eats cereal every morning.
Subject-Verb Agreement with Collective Nouns
The team eats together after the game.
수준별 예문
He eats an apple every day.
Il mange une pomme chaque jour.
Third-person singular 's' added to 'eat'.
The cat eats its food.
Le chat mange sa nourriture.
Singular subject 'the cat' requires 'eats'.
She eats breakfast at 7 AM.
Elle prend son petit-déjeuner à 7 heures du matin.
Simple present tense for a daily routine.
My brother eats a lot of pizza.
Mon frère mange beaucoup de pizza.
Singular subject 'my brother' + 'eats'.
The bird eats the seeds.
L'oiseau mange les graines.
Third-person singular verb form.
It eats grass.
Il mange de l'herbe.
Pronoun 'it' refers to the animal, verb is 'eats'.
The baby eats with a spoon.
Le bébé mange avec une cuillère.
Singular subject 'the baby' + 'eats'.
He eats lunch at school.
Il déjeune à l'école.
Habitual action in the present tense.
Does he eat meat?
Est-ce qu'il mange de la viande ?
In questions with 'does', the 's' is removed from 'eats'.
She doesn't eat fish.
Elle ne mange pas de poisson.
In negative sentences with 'doesn't', the verb returns to 'eat'.
A lion eats other animals.
Un lion mange d'autres animaux.
General truth about an animal's diet.
My dog eats twice a day.
Mon chien mange deux fois par jour.
Describing a regular schedule.
This car eats a lot of gas.
Cette voiture consomme beaucoup d'essence.
Metaphorical use of 'eats' meaning 'consumes'.
He eats very slowly.
Il mange très lentement.
Adverb 'slowly' modifies the verb 'eats'.
She eats healthy food to stay fit.
Elle mange des aliments sains pour rester en forme.
Expressing purpose with 'to + verb'.
The giraffe eats leaves from the trees.
La girafe mange des feuilles des arbres.
Describing a specific biological behavior.
The person who eats the most wins.
La personne qui mange le plus gagne.
Relative clause with 'who' as the subject.
The rust eats away at the old car.
La rouille ronge la vieille voiture.
Phrasal verb 'eats away at' meaning to destroy slowly.
He eats like a horse after a workout.
Il mange comme quatre après un entraînement.
Idiom 'eats like a horse' meaning to eat a lot.
She eats out at least once a week.
Elle mange au restaurant au moins une fois par semaine.
Phrasal verb 'eat out' conjugated for the third person.
The software eats up all the memory.
Le logiciel consomme toute la mémoire.
Metaphorical phrasal verb 'eats up' meaning to use completely.
He eats his words when he is wrong.
Il retire ce qu'il a dit quand il a tort.
Idiom 'eats one's words' meaning to admit a mistake.
The city is famous for its cheap eats.
La ville est célèbre pour sa nourriture bon marché.
Noun usage of 'eats' meaning food/restaurants.
She eats a balanced diet of protein and fiber.
Elle mange un régime équilibré de protéines et de fibres.
Using specific nouns to describe a diet.
He eats humble pie after the defeat.
Il fait amende honorable après la défaite.
Idiom 'eats humble pie' meaning to admit humiliation.
The acid eats through the plastic.
L'acide perce le plastique.
Phrasal verb 'eats through' describing chemical action.
She eats her heart out with jealousy.
Elle se ronge les sangs de jalousie.
Idiom 'eats one's heart out' meaning to suffer from envy.
The project eats into our free time.
Le projet empiète sur notre temps libre.
Phrasal verb 'eats into' meaning to use up part of something.
He eats like a bird, which worries his mom.
Il mange comme un oiseau, ce qui inquiète sa mère.
Idiom 'eats like a bird' meaning to eat very little.
The company eats up smaller competitors.
L'entreprise absorbe les plus petits concurrents.
Metaphorical use in a business context.
The film critic looks for unique eats.
Le critique de cinéma cherche des endroits originaux pour manger.
Noun usage in a professional/lifestyle context.
He eats, breathes, and sleeps football.
Il ne vit que pour le football.
Idiomatic expression showing total obsession.
Inflation eats away at people's savings.
L'inflation grignote l'épargne des gens.
Economic metaphor using 'eats away at'.
The sea eats into the coastline every year.
La mer grignote le littoral chaque année.
Describing geological erosion with 'eats into'.
He eats his way through the entire menu.
Il goûte à absolument tout ce qu'il y a sur le menu.
Idiomatic 'eats his way through' meaning to try everything.
The guilt eats at him day and night.
La culpabilité le ronge jour et nuit.
Psychological metaphor using 'eats at'.
She eats up the praise from her boss.
Elle boit les paroles de louange de son patron.
Idiomatic 'eats up' meaning to enjoy something immensely.
The new tax eats up most of the profit.
La nouvelle taxe absorbe la majeure partie du profit.
Business context metaphor.
He eats his fill at the buffet.
Il mange à sa faim au buffet.
Idiomatic 'eats his fill' meaning to eat until full.
The story eats at the heart of the mystery.
L'histoire s'attaque au cœur du mystère.
Abstract metaphorical use.
The corrosive atmosphere eats the metal.
L'atmosphère corrosive ronge le métal.
Scientific/Technical use of 'eats' as a transitive verb.
He eats, as it were, the bread of sorrow.
Il mange, pour ainsi dire, le pain de la douleur.
Literary/Poetic usage with an embedded phrase.
The scandal eats into the party's core.
Le scandale s'attaque au cœur du parti.
Advanced political metaphor.
She eats the competition for breakfast.
Elle ne fait qu'une bouchée de la concurrence.
Aggressive idiom for dominance.
The silence eats at the tension in the room.
Le silence accentue la tension dans la pièce.
Nuanced metaphorical use describing an atmosphere.
He eats his heart out, but to no avail.
Il se ronge les sangs, mais en vain.
Using an idiom with a formal 'to no avail' ending.
The city's late-night eats are legendary.
La cuisine nocturne de la ville est légendaire.
Noun usage in a high-level descriptive sentence.
The algorithm eats through the data set.
L'algorithme traite l'ensemble de données à toute vitesse.
Technical metaphor for processing speed.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
eats alone
eats well
eats everything
eats too much
eats on the go
eats at home
eats a snack
eats in silence
eats with gusto
eats a balanced meal
자주 혼동되는 단어
The base form used for plural subjects and 'I/you.' Confusing the two is the most common grammar error.
Sometimes confused in writing due to the similar 'ts' ending sound, though the meanings are entirely different.
The past tense form. Learners sometimes use 'eats' when they should be describing a past event.
관용어 및 표현
"eats humble pie"
To be forced to admit that you were wrong or to apologize in a humiliating way.
After his team lost, the arrogant coach had to eat humble pie.
informal"eats one's heart out"
To feel extreme jealousy, regret, or sorrow about something.
He's eating his heart out because his ex-girlfriend is dating someone else.
informal"eats one's words"
To admit that something you said before was wrong, especially after being proven incorrect.
She had to eat her words when the project she criticized became a huge success.
informal"eats like a bird"
To eat very small amounts of food. It often implies a lack of appetite.
Don't worry about the catering; she eats like a bird.
informal"eats like a horse"
To eat a very large amount of food. It implies a huge appetite.
My teenage son eats like a horse; I can't keep the fridge full!
informal"eats someone for breakfast"
To be much stronger, more skilled, or more aggressive than someone else and defeat them easily.
In the courtroom, that lawyer eats her opponents for breakfast.
slang"eats into something"
To use up a part of something, especially something valuable like time or money.
The repair costs are really eating into our holiday savings.
neutral"eats away at someone"
To make someone feel very worried, guilty, or unhappy over a long period.
The secret she was keeping started to eat away at her.
neutral"eats out of someone's hand"
To be completely under someone's influence or control; to do whatever they want.
He has the audience eating out of his hand within five minutes.
informal"what's eating you?"
A question asked when someone seems annoyed, worried, or upset, to find out what is bothering them.
You've been grumpy all day. What's eating you?
informal혼동하기 쉬운
Similar starting sound.
'Each' refers to every individual in a group, while 'eats' is a verb for consuming food.
Each student eats a healthy lunch.
Rhyming words.
'Beats' refers to hitting something or winning, while 'eats' refers to consuming food.
He beats the drum while she eats her snack.
Rhyming words and similar spelling.
'Seats' are places to sit, while 'eats' is the act of eating.
The restaurant has fifty seats and great eats.
Rhyming words.
'Heats' refers to making something warm, while 'eats' is the act of consuming.
The oven heats the pizza before he eats it.
Phonetic similarity at the end.
'Its' is a possessive pronoun, while 'eats' is a verb.
The dog eats its food quickly.
문장 패턴
Subject (He/She/It) + eats + Object.
She eats an orange.
Does + Subject + eat + Object?
Does he eat meat?
Subject + eats + like a + Noun.
He eats like a horse.
Subject + eats + away at + Noun.
Rust eats away at the gate.
Subject + eats + his/her/their + fill.
She eats her fill at the party.
Adjective + eats + Verb.
Cheap eats are hard to find here.
Subject + eats + his/her + way through + Object.
He eats his way through the buffet.
Subject + eats + the bread of + Noun.
He eats the bread of affliction.
어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
사용법
Extremely high in both spoken and written English.
-
He eat an apple.
→
He eats an apple.
The subject 'He' is third-person singular, so the verb must have an 's' in the present tense.
-
Does she eats meat?
→
Does she eat meat?
In questions with 'does,' the main verb must be in its base form without an 's'.
-
The cats eats fish.
→
The cats eat fish.
The subject 'cats' is plural, so the verb should not have an 's'.
-
I had a great eat.
→
I had a great meal.
'Eats' is only used as a plural noun (e.g., 'good eats'). For a single instance, use 'meal' or 'snack'.
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He is eats lunch.
→
He is eating lunch.
After the verb 'to be' (is), you must use the present participle (-ing form) for continuous actions.
팁
The Third-Person Rule
Always remember to add the 's' when the subject is a single person or thing. It's one of the most common mistakes for English learners.
Noun Usage
Use 'eats' as a noun when you want to sound casual and enthusiastic about food, especially in a travel context.
Clear 'TS'
Make sure to pronounce the 't' and 's' clearly at the end. It should sound like a quick hiss, not a long 'ez' sound.
Metaphorical Power
Don't be afraid to use 'eats' for non-food items like time or money. It makes your descriptions more vivid and relatable.
Listen for 'Does'
If you hear 'does' or 'doesn't,' expect the verb to be 'eat' without the 's,' even if the subject is singular.
Subject-Verb Check
When proofreading, underline your subjects and verbs to ensure they match. 'He' goes with 'eats,' 'They' goes with 'eat.'
Slang Awareness
Be aware of the modern slang 'it eats,' but use it carefully as it is very informal and specific to certain social groups.
Humble Pie
Use the idiom 'eats humble pie' when someone has to admit a big mistake. It's a very common and useful expression.
Daily Observation
Look at people or animals throughout your day and describe their eating habits using 'eats' to build muscle memory.
No 'S' for Plurals
Remember the see-saw: if the noun has an 's' (plural), the verb usually doesn't. 'The dogs eat,' not 'The dogs eats.'
암기하기
기억법
Think of the 'S' in 'eats' as standing for 'Singular.' He, She, and It are all singular, so they all need the 'S' at the end of the verb.
시각적 연상
Imagine a single person (Singular) sitting at a table with a big 'S' shaped piece of spaghetti on their fork. This helps you remember the 'S' for 'eats.'
Word Web
챌린지
Try to write five sentences about different people you know using the word 'eats.' For example: 'My dad eats spicy food.' This will help reinforce the third-person singular rule.
어원
The word 'eats' comes from the Old English 'etan,' which is of Germanic origin. It is related to the Dutch 'eten' and the German 'essen.' The third-person singular suffix '-s' evolved from the older '-eth' ending (as in 'eateth').
원래 의미: To consume food, to take in nourishment.
Indo-European > Germanic > West Germanic > Old English문화적 맥락
Be mindful when using 'eats' to describe people's habits, as it can sometimes sound judgmental if paired with words like 'too much' or 'poorly.'
In the US, 'eats' is often used in the names of casual diners or food festivals (e.g., 'Street Eats'). In the UK, it's more common to hear 'food' or 'grub.'
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
At a Restaurant
- He eats here often.
- She eats only vegan food.
- Does he eat spicy food?
- Where are the best eats?
Talking about Pets
- The dog eats at 6 PM.
- My cat eats very little.
- It eats only wet food.
- What does your bird eat?
Health and Fitness
- She eats a lot of protein.
- He eats five small meals.
- The athlete eats for energy.
- Who eats a healthy breakfast?
Nature and Science
- The predator eats its prey.
- A caterpillar eats leaves.
- It eats through the wood.
- The fungus eats decaying matter.
Informal Socializing
- Let's find some good eats.
- Any cheap eats around here?
- He eats like a horse!
- She eats like a bird.
대화 시작하기
"What is something your best friend eats that you find strange?"
"Do you know a place in town that has really great cheap eats?"
"How many times a day does your pet usually eat?"
"Who in your family eats the most during holiday dinners?"
"Does your boss usually eat lunch at their desk or go out?"
일기 주제
Describe a person you know and what they usually eat for breakfast every day.
Write about a time you had to 'eat your words' after being proven wrong.
If you were a food critic, what kind of 'eats' would you search for in a new city?
Think of a machine or a process that 'eats' up your time. How can you fix it?
Describe an animal and how it eats in its natural habitat.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It can be both! Primarily, it is a verb (the third-person singular present of 'eat'). Informally, it is used as a plural noun meaning 'food' or 'meals.' For example, 'He eats' (verb) and 'Good eats' (noun).
Use 'eats' for singular subjects like he, she, it, or a single person/thing (e.g., 'The cat eats'). Use 'eat' for plural subjects (e.g., 'The cats eat') and for 'I' and 'you' (e.g., 'I eat,' 'You eat').
No, that is incorrect. The correct form is 'He doesn't eat.' In negative sentences, the 's' moves to the auxiliary verb 'do,' making it 'does,' and the main verb stays in its base form 'eat.'
It is an informal phrase used to describe food that is both good and inexpensive. You will often see this in travel guides or restaurant reviews to highlight budget-friendly dining options.
As a verb, yes, it is used in all levels of formality. However, as a noun (e.g., 'great eats'), it is considered informal and should be avoided in academic or professional reports.
'Eats' is for habits or general facts (e.g., 'He eats apples every day'). 'Is eating' is for actions happening right now (e.g., 'He is eating an apple right now').
It is a metaphorical phrase meaning to slowly destroy or erode something. It can be used for physical things (e.g., 'Rust eats away at metal') or emotions (e.g., 'Guilt eats away at him').
Yes, metaphorically. If a car uses a lot of fuel, you can say it 'eats gas.' If a computer program uses a lot of memory, you can say it 'eats up RAM.'
It means to eat very little food. It is often used to describe someone who has a small appetite or is very picky about their food.
No, as a noun, 'eats' is always plural. You would never say 'I had a good eat.' Instead, you would say 'I had a good meal' or 'The eats were good.'
셀프 테스트 180 질문
Write a sentence about what your friend eats for lunch.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about what a cat eats.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a question asking if someone eats spicy food.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about something a car 'eats' (uses a lot of).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using the idiom 'eats like a horse'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about 'cheap eats' in your city.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'eats away at' to describe an emotion.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'eats humble pie'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about how inflation 'eats' into people's lives.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about someone 'eating their way through' a challenge.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a poetic sentence using 'eats' to describe a natural process.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a political scandal 'eating' into a reputation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about what a baby eats.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a negative sentence about what someone doesn't eat.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a hobby that 'eats up' your time.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'eats like a bird' to describe a friend.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about guilt 'eating' at a character in a story.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about an algorithm 'eating' through data.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about what a bird eats.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about how often your pet eats.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'He eats an apple every day.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'The cat eats its food.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'Does he eat meat?'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'She doesn't eat fish.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'He eats like a horse!'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'Let's find some good eats.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'The project eats into my time.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'He had to eat humble pie.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'Inflation eats away at savings.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'She eats up all the praise.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'The sea eats into the coast.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'She eats the competition alive.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'My sister eats fruit.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'A cow eats grass.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'Rust eats away at iron.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'She eats like a bird.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'Guilt eats at his heart.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'The silence eats at the tension.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'The baby eats dinner.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say: 'Does your dog eat meat?'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Listen and identify the verb: 'He eats an apple.'
Listen and identify the subject: 'The cat eats fish.'
Listen: 'Does he eat meat?' Is it a question or a statement?
Listen: 'She doesn't eat fish.' Is it positive or negative?
Listen for the idiom: 'He eats like a horse!'
Listen for the noun: 'This town has great eats.'
Listen for the phrasal verb: 'The project eats into my time.'
Listen for the idiom: 'He had to eat humble pie.'
Listen for the metaphor: 'Inflation eats away at savings.'
Listen for the phrase: 'She eats up the praise.'
Listen for the advanced metaphor: 'The sea eats into the coast.'
Listen for the slang: 'Her new outfit absolutely eats.'
Listen: 'My brother eats pizza.' What does he eat?
Listen: 'A cow eats grass.' What animal is it?
Listen: 'Rust eats away at iron.' What is happening?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'eats' is essential for describing the habits and actions of others in the present tense. Whether you're talking about a person's diet, an animal's behavior, or looking for a casual place to grab a meal, 'eats' is a foundational and versatile term. Example: 'She eats healthy, but she loves finding local eats when she travels.'
- Eats is the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'to eat,' used with subjects like he, she, it, or singular nouns.
- It primarily describes the biological act of consuming food but can also be used metaphorically to mean using up resources or time.
- Informally, 'eats' functions as a plural noun meaning food or snacks, common in phrases like 'cheap eats' or 'good eats.'
- Grammatically, it requires the auxiliary 'does' for questions and negatives, where the verb then reverts to the base form 'eat.'
The Third-Person Rule
Always remember to add the 's' when the subject is a single person or thing. It's one of the most common mistakes for English learners.
Noun Usage
Use 'eats' as a noun when you want to sound casual and enthusiastic about food, especially in a travel context.
Clear 'TS'
Make sure to pronounce the 't' and 's' clearly at the end. It should sound like a quick hiss, not a long 'ez' sound.
Metaphorical Power
Don't be afraid to use 'eats' for non-food items like time or money. It makes your descriptions more vivid and relatable.