～ます

 ABOUT: 

■ Using the ます/です form is the easiest way to make your Japanese polite. In fact, it would be best to use
ます/です all the time. The dictionary form (or plain form) should only be used with close friends and family.

Study Notes:

■ Formal Form: Useful in most any situation.  Add ます to the stem of a verb.

■ Verbs in Japanese do not change whether the subject is singular or plural:

私(わたし)は、食(た)べます。 I eat.
私(わたし)たちは、食(た)べます。 We eat.

 How to Use:

■ Add ～ます after the stem of a verb.

■ Inflection: Verbs are inflected (form is changed) with past or non-past tenses and affirmative or negative forms.

Examples:

食(た)べる to eat (plain form)
-> 食(た)べます to eat (formal form)

車(くるま)に乗(の)る to ride in a car (plain form)
-> 車(くるま)に乗(の)ります to ride in a car (formal form)