If you're learning English as a second language, it can seem like it's breaking all the rules.Rule-breakers include irregular verbs.They do not follow the standard rules for making them tense.You can learn a few patterns, but eventually you need to memorize each form.When you're first starting out, focus on the most common irregular verbs.Listen to native speakers and practice your irregular verbs in order to remember them.
Step 1: Understand the definition of irregular verbs.
If you want to learn irregular verbs, you need to know what makes them irregular.The standard rule of making a past tense is not followed by any irregular verbs.The rule is to add "-ed" to a sentence to make it past tense."To want" is a regular sentence.Adding "-ed" to it will make it past tense.The past participle is "Wanted".In English, the past participle is what follows "have" or "has".This rule doesn't apply to an irregular verbs."to begin" is an irregular word.The past participle is "begun."Irregular verbs do not follow specific patterns.In American and British English, there are some irregular verbs.When you're learning irregular verbs, try to focus on one or the other.British English adds "t" at the end of more verbs to make them past tense.
Step 2: Some irregular verbs are the same in each form.
The past tense, infinitive and past participle are the same as "set".You don't have to change it all for these forms.You would say, "I set the book down here, I set it yesterday, and I have put it there"Let, spread, shed, thrust, split, upset, hurt, shut, put, burst, hit, cut, and cost are some of the other verbs that fall into this category.
Step 3: The past tense and past participle are the same.
Other verbs change when they go from present tense to past tense.They stay the same when moving from past tense to past participle.The examples of these verbs are "keep" and "shoot"."I kept this with me all the time, or I have kept it with you the whole time" is the way to say it.The verbs fall into different patterns."sit" and "get" are two verbs that change vowels.There are some verbs that add "t" at the end of the word.Feel, lend, keep, or build are examples.Other verbs add "d," sometimes with an extra vowel or vowel/consonant changes."brought," "bought," and "fought" change to "thought."The verbs addght.
Step 4: There are irregular verbs in each form.
There are different forms for present, past, and past participle that make learning them difficult.The most common verbs in this category are "be" and "go.""I am here, I was there, and I have been there" are examples for "to be."Some verbs take "-en" in the past participle, such as "break-broke-broken," "fall-fell-fallen," and "ride-rode-ridden."Other verbs add "wn" to the past tense and change the vowels."flow-flew-flown," "draw-drew-drawn," and "show-showed-shown" are examples.Some people take different vowels in each form, such as "drink-drank-drunk" and "begin-begun".
Step 5: There are some verbs that lose letters in the past tense and past participle.
In the past tense most verbs stay the same length."light" becomes shorter in the past tense and past participle.That can make some people confused."Shoot" becomes "shot" in the past and past participle.
Step 6: There is an extensive irregular verbs list.
Some patterns can be found in irregular verbs.You'll need to memorize most of them.Start with a list of the most common irregular verbs, such as these two:Another good resource is theowl.english.purdue.edu
Step 7: You can make flash cards to help remember.
The present tense is added to the infinitive on one side.Write the past tense of the word on the other side.To quiz yourself, use the cards.The past participle could be put on the back as well.
Step 8: Practice using irregular verbs.
You should focus on a set number of irregular verbs each week.In a sentence, practice using each one.Write a sentence for each of the following tenses.Irregular verbs can be used in sentences to help solidify them.
Step 9: Practice irregular verbs with online games.
Online resources can be used to get in as much practice as possible.Most of the games are simple, but they can help you understand irregular verbs.You can find an irregular verbs game at themacmillandictionary.com.Another option is http://eslgamesworld.com/members/games/Quizshow/IrregularPast
Step 10: You can download apps to learn irregular verbs.
Learning irregular verbs is turned into a game by some apps.Play the game once the app is on your phone or tablets.Try the app English IrregularVerbs.
Step 11: You can take online tests to see how much you know.
They may just ask you to fill in the past tense, or they may be multiple choice.They can show you how much you've learned and what you still need to learn.You can take a quiz at http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/vocabulary/grammar-videos/past-simple-irregular-verbs
Step 12: As much as you can.
One of the best ways to learn irregular verbs is to read.The more you read, the more irregular the verbs are.As long as you're reading, it doesn't really matter what you read.There are irregular verbs everywhere.
Step 13: You can either listen to or watch television.
Hearing irregular verbs can help you understand them.You are more likely to use them correctly if you hear them more.Try to watch one of your favorite shows in English.You will be learning more than you think.
Step 14: When you hear irregular verbs, make a note of them.
When irregular verbs are used, pay attention.The sentence won't end in "-ed", but it will be past tense.Context clues can be used to help you.If the whole passage is in past tense, the sentence you're reading is likely in that tense as well.
Step 15: If you don't know the past tense, look up words.
If you don't know if a word is irregular or not, look in the dictionary.The past tense and past participle of a word can be found in a dictionary entry.The past tense can only be listed in some dictionaries.