Teaching Regular Verbs

Regular Verbs appear to be simple and straightforward. Yes, they all have the -ED suffix but English students must also learn pronunciation and spelling rules.

Pronunciation Rules

1. When teaching pronunciation, begin with verbs that end with the /d/ or /t/ sounds. These verbs may end with a silent e. These all add an unstressed syllable to the word pronounced /id/.

• Verbs that end with the /d/ sound: add-ed, need-ed, shad-ed
• Verbs that end with the /t/ sound: start-ed, paint-ed, tast-ed

2. Next, practice adding the /t/ sound to the verbs that end with voiceless consonant sounds. Note that it might be spelled with a silent e. These verbs do not gain a new syllable, just the /t/ sound.

• Verbs that end with the /f/ sound: sniffed, knifed
• Verbs that end with 'gh', the /f/ sound: laughed, coughed
• Verbs that end with the /k/ sound: cooked, liked
• Verbs that end with the /p/ sound: helped, hopped
• Verbs that end with the /s/ sound: missed, kissed
• Verbs that end with 'x', the /ks/ sound: fixed, boxed,
• Verbs that end with the /ch/ sound: watched, matched
• Verbs that end with the /sh/ sound: washed, brushed

3. Lastly, practice adding the /d/ sound to the verbs that end with the voiced consonants and vowels. Note that the verb may be spelled with a silent e.  Likewise, these verbs do not gain a new syllable, just the /d/ sound. 

• Verbs that end with the /b/ sound: robbed, grabbed
• Verbs that end with the /g/sound: bagged, hugged
• Verbs that end with the /j/ sound: changed, lodged 
• Verbs that end with the /l/ sound: filed, bowled
• Verbs that end with the /m/ sound: named, screamed
• Verbs that end with the /n/ sound: rained, turned
• Verbs that end with the /r/ sound: covered, offered
• Verbs that end with the /v/ sound: lived, moved
• Verbs that end with the /z/ sound: sized, realized 
• Verbs that end with a vowel sound: stayed, enjoyed

Spelling Rules for adding - ed  

1. Add a suffix to a verb ending with two consonants.

• start + ed = started
• mark + ed = marked

2. 1-1-1 Rule: Double the final letter when the verb has 1 syllable, 1 short vowel, and ends with 1 consonant. (x is not doubled)

• hop + p + ed = hopped
• hug + g + ed = hugged

3. If a word ends with Silent E, drop the e and add -ed.

• like - e + ed = liked
• hope - e + ed = hoped 

4. If a word ends with vowel + Y,  add -ed.

• play + ed = played
• enjoy + ed = enjoyed

5. If a word ends with consonant + Y, change the Y to I and add -ed.

• cry - y + ied = cried
• reply - y + ied = replied

6. Double the final L for a two-syllable word that end with a stressed syllable. (USA)

• control + l + ed = controlled

7. Double the final letter of a two-syllable word that ends with 1 short vowel, 1 consonant and 1 stressed syllable.

• admit + t + ed = admitted
• refer + r + ed = referred