The verb read means to look at and understand written or printed words. It can also mean to interpret, discover, or say aloud the written information. The base form is read (pronounced “reed”), while both the past and past participle forms are spelled read but pronounced “red.” This verb is used for activities like reading books, signs, letters, or any written material.
Meanings
- To look at and understand written or printed words.
- To interpret or discover meaning in written text.
- To say written words aloud.
Pronunciation
- Present: read /riːd/ (“reed”)
- Past and Past Participle: read /rɛd/ (“red”)
Usage
- The base form (read) is used in the present tense.
- The past tense (read) describes completed reading.
- The past participle (read) is used with “have” or “has” in perfect tenses.
How is the past form 'read' used in English?
It describes completed reading.
The past form 'read' describes actions that have already been completed (e.g., 'Yesterday, I read an article').
Examples
- I read (reed) a book every night.
- Yesterday, I read (red) a fascinating article.
- She has read (red) all the novels by that author.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
