Irregular Verb
An irregular verb has past and/or past-participle forms that do not follow the ordinary regular -ed pattern and therefore must be learned as part of its paradigm. Irregularity mainly concerns inflectional form; the same verb can still follow ordinary present-tense syntax in other respects.
An irregular verb has past and/or past-participle forms that do not follow the ordinary regular -ed pattern and therefore must be learned as part of its paradigm.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Irregularity mainly concerns inflectional form; the same verb can still follow ordinary present-tense syntax in other respects.
Further guidance
Application
Learn the base, past simple, and past-participle forms together because irregular patterns vary: some forms stay unchanged, some share two forms, and others have three distinct forms.
Core Rule
An irregular verb has past and/or past-participle forms that do not follow the ordinary regular -ed pattern and therefore must be learned as part of its paradigm.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Verbs: basic forms — Cambridge Grammar (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct grammar guidance on regular verb forms, -ed past forms, -ing forms, and common spelling changes.