Glossary of Grammatical Terms

Grammar Monster Home Page
Link to Grammar Monster
Grammar Chat Forum
[< back]

A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

W

 [weak verb]
^ top    Weak Verb
A weak verb (or regular verb) is one that forms its past participle and past form by adding "-ed" or "-t".  The past form and past participle are the same. For example:
 
Irregular Verb Past Form Past Participle
To run I ran I have run
Weak Verb Past Form Past Participle
To paint I painted I have painted
To yawn I yawned I have yawned
 
Some weak verbs double the last consonant before adding "ed":
 
Weak Verb Past Form Past Participle
To bat I batted I have batted

Weak verbs ending "y" change the "y" to an "i" before adding "ed" or "t":

Weak Verb Past Form Past Participle
To rally I rallied I have rallied
 
He cleaned the walls thoroughly but, unfortunately, broke two lamps. [weak verb]

Related lesson: "Verbs".