The Theory of Grammar

10 English verbs are divided into two classes: regular and irregular. Regular verbs always end with a –d in the simple past, but we do not always pronounce the –d ending in the same way. We usually add –ed to the base form of the verb: I play – I played, I open – I opened. We do not pronounce –ed as an extra syllable. 15 . In learning English language, the students often have problems remembering the different pronunciation patterns whether the –ed should be pronounced with a t or a d sound whether the extra syllable needs to be added in spoken language. In this case, Oral practice is an important for helping students master the different pronunciation of –ed. With practice this sounds the students become familiar the spelling changes for many of regular verbs. The chart shows the different pronunciations of the –ed inflection. 16 Pronunciations of –ed Verbs that end in the sounds p, k, f, s, sh, ch t sound helped, baked, coughed, missed, washed, pitched Verbs that end in the sounds d or t id sound extra syllable added wanted, needed All other verb sound endings b, g, v, z, zh, th, j, m, n, ng, l, r, or a vowel sound d sound robbed, dragged, shaved, garaged, breathed, raged, blamed, ruined, pinged, called, ordered, played With most verbs, the regular past tense forms is created simply by adding -ED. However, with some verbs, you need to add -ES or change the ending a little. Here are the rules: 17 15 L. G. Alexander, Longman English Grammar Practice: For Intermediate students, New York: Addison Wesley Longman, 1990, p.126. 16 Andrea DeCapua, Grammar for Teacher: A Guide to American English for Native and Non-Native Speaker, Ney York: Spring Street, 2008 .p. 177 11 Verb ending in... How to make the simple past Examples E Add –ed livelived date dated Consonant +y Change y to i, then add –ed trytried cry cried One vowel + one consonant but NOT w or y Double the consonant, then add –ed taptapped commitcomm itted Anything else including w Add –ed boilboiled fillfilled handhanded Besides the students must be learned the pronunciation of the sounds system phonology of the regular verbs; they also must be learned and memorized many irregular verbs. The chart shows a small number of irregular verbs that have the same form in all part. 18 Infinitive Simple Past Tense