Irregular verbs (what they are)

Irregular verbs are a fascinating yet challenging aspect of English grammar, defying the straightforward rules that govern regular verbs. Unlike regular verbs, which simply add “-ed” to form their past tense and past participle (e.g., “walk” becomes “walked”), irregular verbs transform in unpredictable ways, often requiring memorization. This guide delves into what makes irregular verbs unique, why they exist, and how to master them, offering examples and practical tips to ease the learning process for English learners and enthusiasts alike.

What are irregular verbs?

• Irregular verbs are verbs that don’t follow the typical patterns for forming their past tense and past participle forms.  
• Regular verbs form their past tense and past participle by adding “-ed” to the end (e.g., walk -> walked). Irregular verbs change in unpredictable ways.  

Why do they exist?

• These verbs were created to make the English learner’s life miserable (joking). Actually, irregular verbs are often older verbs that have been in the language longer. Over time, their forms have changed and become less consistent.  

Examples of irregular verbs

• be: am, is, are (present) -> was, were (past) -> been (past participle)
• go: go (present) -> went (past) -> gone (past participle)
• eat: eat (present) -> ate (past) -> eaten (past participle)  
• think: think (present) -> thought (past) -> thought (past participle)  
• see: see (present) -> saw (past) -> seen (past participle)  

For a comprehensive list, see this article.

Why are they tricky?

• You can’t predict how an irregular verb will change just by looking at its base form.
• They need to be memorized!

How can you learn them?

• Focus on common ones: Start by learning the most frequently used irregular verbs.
• Make flashcards: Write the base form on one side and the past tense and past participle on the other.
• Practice with quizzes and exercises: Many online resources and textbooks offer practice activities.
• Use them frequently: The more you read, write, and speak, the more you’ll naturally encounter and learn irregular verbs.

In summary

This overview explains irregular verbs as verbs that deviate from the standard “-ed” pattern for past tense and past participle forms, such as “go” (went, gone) or “eat” (ate, eaten). These verbs, often rooted in older English, have evolved inconsistently over time, making them less predictable than their regular counterparts like “walk” (walked). Examples include “be” (was/were, been), “think” (thought, thought), and “see” (saw, seen), highlighting their varied changes. Their trickiness stems from the inability to guess their forms, necessitating memorization. To learn them, the guide suggests focusing on common irregular verbs, using flashcards, practicing with quizzes, and incorporating them into regular reading, writing, and speaking. For a fuller list, it directs readers to a referenced article, emphasizing active engagement as key to mastery.