Regular Verbs
English Regular Verbs: Learn how to conjugate and use regular verbs in the present, past, and participle forms. This module covers the basics of verb endings and common patterns.
Verb basics
A verb is a word that describes an action or a state. Regular verbs form their past and participle forms with predictable endings. In English, regular verbs usually use -ed to mark the past tense and the past participle. The present simple uses the base form, with -s added for third person singular.
Present simple
The present simple uses the base form for most subjects. For third person singular subjects, add -s to the verb. This pattern applies to regular verbs for statements in the present. The base form is also used after do and does in questions and negatives.
| Subject | Form |
|---|---|
| I, you, we, they |  work |
| he, she, it |  works |
Past simple
The past simple of regular verbs is formed by adding -ed to the base form. This form is the same for all subjects. The past simple is used for completed actions in the past. In questions and negatives, use did with the base form.
| Subject | Form |
|---|---|
| all subjects |  worked |
Past participle
The past participle of regular verbs is usually identical to the past simple: base + -ed. This form is used with have or has to form the present perfect. It is also used with had to form the past perfect and with be in passive voice. The key is that regular verbs keep the -ed pattern.
| Subject | Form |
|---|---|
| all subjects |  worked |
-ed spelling
Regular verbs follow specific spelling patterns when adding -ed. Verbs ending in e take only -d. Verbs ending in a consonant plus y change y to i and add -ed. Many one-syllable verbs ending consonant-vowel-consonant double the final consonant before -ed.
| Rule |
|---|
 If a verb ends in e, add d |
 If a verb ends in consonant + y, change y to i and add ed |
 If a one-syllable verb ends CVC, double the final consonant and add ed |
Common patterns
Some regular verbs are especially common and follow the -ed pattern. Knowing these verbs helps recognize regular conjugation quickly. The meaning stays the same; only the ending changes for tense. These verbs are reliable examples of regular formation.
| Word/Phrase | Definition |
|---|---|
 play |  To do an activity for enjoyment or in a game |
 open |  To make something not closed or allow access |
 want |  To have a desire for something |
 clean |  To remove dirt or make something tidy |
Summary
Regular verbs in English form the past simple and past participle with -ed. The present simple uses the base form and adds -s for third person singular. Spelling rules explain how to add -ed correctly. Mastering these patterns allows accurate verb use across common tenses.