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What Are Weak Verbs? (with Examples)
Weak Verbs
A weak verb is one that ends "-d" or "-t" for its past forms (i.e., its simple past tense and past participle).A weak verb is not the same as a regular verb, which is a verb that complies with the normal rules forming its various forms. Some weak verbs are irregular verbs. If you're learning or teaching English, you should concentrate on regular verbs and irregular verbs. The terms "weak verb" and "strong verb" derive from the study of Germanic languages.
Examples of Weak Verbs
Here are some examples of weak verbs. Note the end column, which states whether the verb is regular or irregular.Weak Verb | Simple Past Tense | Past Participle | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
love | loved | has loved | regular verb |
play | played | has played | regular verb |
creep | crept | has crept | irregular verb |
shoot | shot | has shot | irregular verb |
put | put | has put | irregular verb |
Types of Weak Verb
There are four types of weak verb:(Type 1) Past form adds "-d", "-ed", or "-t" without a change of vowel sound.
For example:
Weak Verb | Simple Past Tense | Past Participle | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
love | loved | has loved | regular verb |
hate | hated | has hated | regular verb |
move | moved | has moved | regular verb |
(Type 2) Past form adds "-d", or "-t" with a change of vowel sound.
For example:
Weak Verb | Simple Past Tense | Past Participle | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
tell | told | has told | irregular verb |
keep | kept | has kept | irregular verb |
(Type 3) Past form retains the "-d", or "-t" ending and shortens the vowel sound.
For example:
Weak Verb | Simple Past Tense | Past Participle | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
meet | met | has met | irregular verb |
bleed | bled | has bled | irregular verb |
(Type 4) Past form is the same as the base form.
For example:
Weak Verb | Simple Past Tense | Past Participle | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
put | put | has put | irregular verb |
set | set | has set | irregular verb |
Regular Verbs Are Weak Verbs
A regular verb is a type of weak verb.The terms "regular verb" and "weak verb" are not synonyms (i.e., they do not mean the same). Similarly, the terms "irregular verb" and "strong verb" are not synonyms.
Here is an infographic explaining how verbs are classified:

Why Should I Care about Weak Verbs?
If you're learning or teaching English, you do not need to worry about the term "weak verb." You should go now to the page on regular verbs.Key Point
- The term weak verb is for those studying Germanic languages. You probably want the page on regular verbs.
Interactive Exercise
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