Excells or Excels – Which is Correct?
When it comes to the verb “to excel,” the correct spelling is “excels.” Yes, “excels” with an ‘s’ at the end. It may sound a bit counterintuitive, considering that most verbs in the English language are spelled without an ‘s’ in the third person singular form. However, “excels” is the exception to this rule, and it is essential to grasp this concept to enhance your English language skills, especially if you are preparing for the IELTS exam.
To understand why “excels” is the correct spelling, let’s learn some grammar basics. Generally, when forming the third person singular form of a verb in English, we add an ‘-s,’ ‘-es,’ or ‘-ies’ ending, depending on the word’s ending. For instance, we say “he walks,” “she watches,” or “it cries.” But why doesn’t the same rule apply to “excel”?
The reason lies in the origin of the word “excel.” It is derived from the Latin word “excellere,” meaning “to surpass” or “to be superior.” In Latin, the verb “excellere” conjugates differently from its English counterpart. The Latin third person singular form is “excels,” and English has adopted this spelling.
Now, let’s look at some examples to better understand the usage of “excels”:
1. “She excels in math and science.”
Here, “excels” indicates that she is exceptionally good or surpasses others in her performance in math and science subjects.
2. “Our team excels at problem-solving.”
In this example, “excels” portrays that the team has a high level of expertise and proficiency in problem-solving.
3. “John excels in sports, particularly in basketball.”
By using “excels,” we convey that John is highly skilled and stands out in his athletic abilities, especially in basketball.
4. “The company excels in customer service.”
This sentence illustrates that the company is remarkable and superior when it comes to providing excellent customer service.
5. “No other artist excels at capturing emotions in their paintings like she does.”
Here, “excels” highlights the unmatched talent of the artist in conveying emotions through her paintings.
It is crucial to remember that “excels” should only be used in the third person singular form. In all other forms, such as the first person singular (“I excel”), second person singular (“you excel”), and plural forms (“we excel,” “they excel”), the verb remains unchanged.
In summary, “excels” is the correct spelling of the verb “to excel” in its third person singular form. While it may seem counterintuitive, this exception to the standard English grammar rule exists due to the word’s Latin origin. Remember to use “excels” when referring to someone or something that surpasses or exceeds others in a particular area. By mastering this knowledge, you can excel in your IELTS exam and communicate effectively in English. So, keep practicing and let your language skills shine!