How is the Past Tense Formed?
The past tense of “read” is formed by changing the pronunciation of the word while keeping the spelling intact. This is known as an irregular verb conjugation, as it does not follow the typical pattern of adding “ed” to the base form of the verb.
Examples of “Read” in Past Tense
- I read a book yesterday. (Present Tense)
- I read a book yesterday. (Past Tense)
- She reads a newspaper every morning. (Present Tense)
- She read a magazine last night. (Past Tense)
Why is “Read” an Irregular Verb?
The reason why “read” is considered an irregular verb is because it does not follow the typical pattern of adding “ed” to form the past tense. Instead, the pronunciation changes while the spelling remains the same, making it unique compared to regular verbs.
Summary
Deciphering the past tense verb conjugation of “read” may seem like a mystery at first, but understanding its irregularity can help unravel the complexities of English grammar. By recognizing the unique form of “read” in the past tense, you can effectively communicate in both spoken and written English.