Episode 12: How to Learn and Memorize Irregular Verbs – Learn English with Dr Henry Podcast

Henry Fadl

2 weeks ago

Table of common irregular verbs with their past tense and past participle forms.

Master Irregular Verbs in English: Fun Techniques & Strategies

Introduction:
Irregular verbs can be tricky for English learners, but they’re essential for mastering the language. Unlike regular verbs, they don’t follow the simple rule of adding -ed in the past tense. Instead, they have unique forms like “go-went-gone.” In this post, we’ll explore fun and effective ways to memorize irregular verbs so you can use them confidently in conversations.

Why Are Irregular Verbs Important?

Irregular verbs are some of the most commonly used verbs in English. From “be” and “go” to “take” and “eat,” these verbs appear in daily conversations, writing, and exams. Learning them is a crucial step toward fluency.

Techniques to Memorize Irregular Verbs

Group by Patterns
“Group irregular verbs with similar endings:
Begin, began, begun
Ring, rang, rung
Swim, swam, swum
Grouping helps you see patterns and makes memorization easier.”

Create Funny Stories
“Use irregular verbs in a silly story. For example:
‘The cat saw a mouse, ran across the room, and ate its cheese!’ Stories make learning more engaging.”
Sing a Song or Make a Rhyme
“Set the verbs to music:
‘Be was been, do did done, go went gone!’
Turn it into a rap or nursery rhyme for easy recall.”
Practice with Flashcards
“Write the base verb on one side and its past tense on the other. Quiz yourself or play a matching game.”
Use Apps and Online Tools
“Apps like Duolingo and Quizlet have interactive exercises for irregular verbs. They make learning fun and track your progress.”
Most Common Irregular Verbs: A Handy Table