Grammar & Usage

Pronunciation Rules:
Regular Past Verbs
Reference

# Rule Examples

• bluffed • passed • frothed

If the verb ends with the voiceless (soft) sounds
1 • looked • washed
f, k, p, s, ∫, t∫, or θ, pronounce the -ed ending as t.
• stopped • watched

• grabbed • trimmed • waved

If the verb ends with the voiced (loud) sounds • judged • planned • mowed
2 b, dӡ, ӡ, g, l, m, n, ŋ, ð, r, v, w, z, or any vowel sound, • massaged • belonged • sneezed
pronounce the -ed ending as d. • hugged • bathed • carried
• called • covered

If the verb ends with the sounds t or d, pronounce

3 • wanted • needed
the -ed ending as ıd (as a separate syllable).

Pronunciation Practice
Listen to the recording and repeat the following words.

Rule 1: -ed as /t/ Rule 2: -ed as /d/ Rule 3: -ed as /ıd/

Say /t/ when the -ed ending Say /d/ when the -ed ending Say /ıd/ when the -ed ending
follows a voiceless sound. follows a voiced sound. follows a /t/ or /d/ sound.

1. looked 1. listened 1. wanted

2. stopped 2. preferred 2. needed

3. watched 3. cried 3. visited

4. finished 4. smiled 4. shouted

5. danced 5. studied 5. ended

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