5 Questions
What is the most common irregularity in English irregular verbs?
Past tense and past participle
Which verbs have irregular forms throughout the present tense?
Be
What type of verbs usually follow the regular inflection?
New verbs including loans from other languages and nouns employed as verbs
Which verbs are exceptions in forming the third person singular present indicative in -[e]s?
Have, do, and say
What type of verbs lack most inflection?
Modal auxiliaries
Study Notes
Irregularities in English Irregular Verbs
- The most common irregularity in English irregular verbs is a change in the root vowel.
Irregular Verbs in the Present Tense
- Verbs like "be", "have", and "do" have irregular forms throughout the present tense.
Regular Inflection
- Verbs that usually follow the regular inflection are those that end in -[o], -[sh], -[ch], -[ss], -[x], or -[z].
- These verbs form the third person singular present indicative by adding -[e]s.
Exceptions in Forming the Third Person Singular
- Verbs that end in a consonant + [y] are exceptions in forming the third person singular present indicative in -[e]s.
- Instead, they change the [y] to [i] and add -[e]s.
Lack of Inflection
- Modal verbs like "can", "may", "shall", "will", "must", and "ought to" lack most inflection.
- They do not have a third person singular present indicative form in -[e]s.
Test your knowledge of irregular verbs in English with this quiz! Challenge yourself with questions about past tense forms, past participles, and more. Improve your English language skills while having fun!
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
