Learn on PengiElements of Language, 2nd CourseChapter 9: Using Verbs Correctly: Principal Parts, Regular and Irregular Verbs, Tense, Voice

Lesson 1: Regular and Irregular Verbs

In this Grade 5 grammar lesson from Elements of Language, 2nd Course, students learn to distinguish between regular verbs, which form their past and past participle by adding –d or –ed to the base form, and irregular verbs, which change vowels, consonants, or both. Students practice identifying and using correct verb forms through exercises covering common irregular verbs such as sing/sang/sung and buy/bought/bought. The lesson also addresses a common spoken-language error of dropping the –ed ending in words like supposed and prejudiced.

Section 1

Regular Verbs

Definition

A regular verb forms its past and past participle by adding –d or –ed to the base form.

Explanation

Think of regular verbs as the rule-followers! To show that an action already happened, you simply add –d or –ed to the end. Remember, even if you don't always hear the –ed when people speak quickly (like in “supposed to”), you must include it in your writing for correct spelling.

Examples

  • The team practiced for the championship game. (practice) [The past tense of practice is practiced.]
  • You were supposed to bring the snacks for the class. (suppose) [The past participle form uses –ed, even if you don’t always hear it.]
  • We enjoyed the movie we watched last night. (enjoy) [The past tense of enjoy is enjoyed.]

Section 2

Irregular Verbs

Definition

An irregular verb forms its past and past participle in some other way than by adding –d or –ed to the base form.

Explanation

Meet the rule-breakers of the verb family! Irregular verbs are special because they don't follow the simple –ed rule. Their past tense forms change in unique ways and must be memorized. Don't guess if you're unsure—always check a dictionary to find the correct irregular form!

Examples

  • The children built a fantastic sandcastle at the beach. (builded, built) [The verb changes its ending from –d to –t to form the past tense.]
  • Who drank all the apple juice? (drank, drunk) [The vowel changes from i in drink to a in the past tense form drank.]
  • The sleeping cat lay peacefully in the sunbeam. (laid, lay) [The past tense of lie (to recline) is lay.]

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Chapter 9: Using Verbs Correctly: Principal Parts, Regular and Irregular Verbs, Tense, Voice

  1. Lesson 1Current

    Lesson 1: Regular and Irregular Verbs

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  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Tense

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  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: Sit and Set, Rise and Raise, Lie and Lay

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Lesson overview

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Section 1

Regular Verbs

Definition

A regular verb forms its past and past participle by adding –d or –ed to the base form.

Explanation

Think of regular verbs as the rule-followers! To show that an action already happened, you simply add –d or –ed to the end. Remember, even if you don't always hear the –ed when people speak quickly (like in “supposed to”), you must include it in your writing for correct spelling.

Examples

  • The team practiced for the championship game. (practice) [The past tense of practice is practiced.]
  • You were supposed to bring the snacks for the class. (suppose) [The past participle form uses –ed, even if you don’t always hear it.]
  • We enjoyed the movie we watched last night. (enjoy) [The past tense of enjoy is enjoyed.]

Section 2

Irregular Verbs

Definition

An irregular verb forms its past and past participle in some other way than by adding –d or –ed to the base form.

Explanation

Meet the rule-breakers of the verb family! Irregular verbs are special because they don't follow the simple –ed rule. Their past tense forms change in unique ways and must be memorized. Don't guess if you're unsure—always check a dictionary to find the correct irregular form!

Examples

  • The children built a fantastic sandcastle at the beach. (builded, built) [The verb changes its ending from –d to –t to form the past tense.]
  • Who drank all the apple juice? (drank, drunk) [The vowel changes from i in drink to a in the past tense form drank.]
  • The sleeping cat lay peacefully in the sunbeam. (laid, lay) [The past tense of lie (to recline) is lay.]

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 9: Using Verbs Correctly: Principal Parts, Regular and Irregular Verbs, Tense, Voice

  1. Lesson 1Current

    Lesson 1: Regular and Irregular Verbs

    LearnPractice
  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Tense

    LearnPractice
  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: Sit and Set, Rise and Raise, Lie and Lay

    LearnPractice