Irregular verbs: the full list with all three forms
A full list of English irregular verbs: all 168 in use today, each with its three forms (V1, V2, V3), transcription and sound. The top 100 come up most often, so start with them.
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Irregular verbs table
The base form, Past Simple and past participle of every verb. Tap a speaker to hear all three. Every verb starts chosen: untick the ones you know and add the rest to your dictionary.
| Play pronunciation | Three formsBase form | Past Simple | Past participle | Meaning and example | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
arise · arose · arisen /əˈraɪz/ · /əˈrəʊz/ · /əˈrɪzn/ to begin to happen or exist Problems may arise if we don't plan ahead. arise /əˈraɪz/ to begin to happen or exist Problems may arise if we don't plan ahead. | arose /əˈrəʊz/ | arisen /əˈrɪzn/ | to begin to happen or exist Problems may arise if we don't plan ahead. | ||
awake · awoke · awoken /əˈweɪk/ · /əˈwəʊk/ · /əˈwəʊkən/ to stop sleeping I often awake before my alarm goes off. awake /əˈweɪk/ to stop sleeping I often awake before my alarm goes off. | awoke /əˈwəʊk/ | awoken /əˈwəʊkən/ | to stop sleeping I often awake before my alarm goes off. | ||
be · was, were · been /biː/ · /wɒz/, /wɜː/ · /biːn/ to exist; used to say what or where someone is I want to be a doctor. be /biː/ to exist; used to say what or where someone is I want to be a doctor. | was, were /wɒz/, /wɜː/ | been /biːn/ | to exist; used to say what or where someone is I want to be a doctor. | ||
bear · bore · borne, born /beə/ · /bɔː/ · /bɔːn/, /bɔːn/ to accept something unpleasant I can't bear the noise. bear /beə/ to accept something unpleasant I can't bear the noise. | bore /bɔː/ | borne, born /bɔːn/, /bɔːn/ | to accept something unpleasant I can't bear the noise. | ||
beat · beat · beaten /biːt/ · /biːt/ · /ˈbiːtn/ to win against someone Our team beat them three to one. beat /biːt/ to win against someone Our team beat them three to one. | beat /biːt/ | beaten /ˈbiːtn/ | to win against someone Our team beat them three to one. | ||
become · became · become /bɪˈkʌm/ · /bɪˈkeɪm/ · /bɪˈkʌm/ to begin to be something She wants to become a teacher. become /bɪˈkʌm/ to begin to be something She wants to become a teacher. | became /bɪˈkeɪm/ | become /bɪˈkʌm/ | to begin to be something She wants to become a teacher. | ||
begin · began · begun /bɪˈɡɪn/ · /bɪˈɡæn/ · /bɪˈɡʌn/ to start The lesson will begin at nine. begin /bɪˈɡɪn/ to start The lesson will begin at nine. | began /bɪˈɡæn/ | begun /bɪˈɡʌn/ | to start The lesson will begin at nine. | ||
bend · bent · bent /bend/ · /bent/ · /bent/ to move your body or a thing so it is not straight Bend your knees when you lift something heavy. bend /bend/ to move your body or a thing so it is not straight Bend your knees when you lift something heavy. | bent /bent/ | bent /bent/ | to move your body or a thing so it is not straight Bend your knees when you lift something heavy. | ||
bet · bet · bet /bet/ · /bet/ · /bet/ to risk money on what will happen I bet you can't do it. bet /bet/ to risk money on what will happen I bet you can't do it. | bet /bet/ | bet /bet/ | to risk money on what will happen I bet you can't do it. | ||
bid · bid · bid /bɪd/ · /bɪd/ · /bɪd/ to offer a price at an auction He bid fifty dollars for the old lamp. bid /bɪd/ to offer a price at an auction He bid fifty dollars for the old lamp. | bid /bɪd/ | bid /bɪd/ | to offer a price at an auction He bid fifty dollars for the old lamp. | ||
bind · bound · bound /baɪnd/ · /baʊnd/ · /baʊnd/ to tie together; to fix a book's pages in a cover They bind the old books by hand. bind /baɪnd/ to tie together; to fix a book's pages in a cover They bind the old books by hand. | bound /baʊnd/ | bound /baʊnd/ | to tie together; to fix a book's pages in a cover They bind the old books by hand. | ||
bite · bit · bitten /baɪt/ · /bɪt/ · /ˈbɪtn/ to cut into something with your teeth Does your dog bite? bite /baɪt/ to cut into something with your teeth Does your dog bite? | bit /bɪt/ | bitten /ˈbɪtn/ | to cut into something with your teeth Does your dog bite? | ||
bleed · bled · bled /bliːd/ · /bled/ · /bled/ to lose blood Your finger is bleeding. bleed /bliːd/ to lose blood Your finger is bleeding. | bled /bled/ | bled /bled/ | to lose blood Your finger is bleeding. | ||
blow · blew · blown /bləʊ/ · /bluː/ · /bləʊn/ to push air out of your mouth Blow out the candles! blow /bləʊ/ to push air out of your mouth Blow out the candles! | blew /bluː/ | blown /bləʊn/ | to push air out of your mouth Blow out the candles! | ||
break · broke · broken /breɪk/ · /brəʊk/ · /ˈbrəʊkən/ to make something fall into pieces Don't break the glass. break /breɪk/ to make something fall into pieces Don't break the glass. | broke /brəʊk/ | broken /ˈbrəʊkən/ | to make something fall into pieces Don't break the glass. | ||
breed · bred · bred /briːd/ · /bred/ · /bred/ to keep animals to produce young ones They breed horses on their farm. breed /briːd/ to keep animals to produce young ones They breed horses on their farm. | bred /bred/ | bred /bred/ | to keep animals to produce young ones They breed horses on their farm. | ||
bring · brought · brought /brɪŋ/ · /brɔːt/ · /brɔːt/ to take someone or something with you to a place Bring your friends to the party. bring /brɪŋ/ to take someone or something with you to a place Bring your friends to the party. | brought /brɔːt/ | brought /brɔːt/ | to take someone or something with you to a place Bring your friends to the party. | ||
broadcast · broadcast · broadcast /ˈbrɔːdkɑːst/ · /ˈbrɔːdkɑːst/ · /ˈbrɔːdkɑːst/ to send out on TV or radio The match will be broadcast live. broadcast /ˈbrɔːdkɑːst/ to send out on TV or radio The match will be broadcast live. | broadcast /ˈbrɔːdkɑːst/ | broadcast /ˈbrɔːdkɑːst/ | to send out on TV or radio The match will be broadcast live. | ||
build · built · built /bɪld/ · /bɪlt/ · /bɪlt/ to make a building or other structure They want to build a new school here. build /bɪld/ to make a building or other structure They want to build a new school here. | built /bɪlt/ | built /bɪlt/ | to make a building or other structure They want to build a new school here. | ||
burst · burst · burst /bɜːst/ · /bɜːst/ · /bɜːst/ to break open suddenly The balloon burst with a loud bang. burst /bɜːst/ to break open suddenly The balloon burst with a loud bang. | burst /bɜːst/ | burst /bɜːst/ | to break open suddenly The balloon burst with a loud bang. | ||
buy · bought · bought /baɪ/ · /bɔːt/ · /bɔːt/ to get something by paying for it I need to buy some bread. buy /baɪ/ to get something by paying for it I need to buy some bread. | bought /bɔːt/ | bought /bɔːt/ | to get something by paying for it I need to buy some bread. | ||
cast · cast · cast /kɑːst/ · /kɑːst/ · /kɑːst/ to throw; to make a shadow appear The tree cast a long shadow. cast /kɑːst/ to throw; to make a shadow appear The tree cast a long shadow. | cast /kɑːst/ | cast /kɑːst/ | to throw; to make a shadow appear The tree cast a long shadow. | ||
catch · caught · caught /kætʃ/ · /kɔːt/ · /kɔːt/ to take hold of something moving through the air Try to catch the ball! catch /kætʃ/ to take hold of something moving through the air Try to catch the ball! | caught /kɔːt/ | caught /kɔːt/ | to take hold of something moving through the air Try to catch the ball! | ||
choose · chose · chosen /tʃuːz/ · /tʃəʊz/ · /ˈtʃəʊzn/ to decide which one you want You can choose any colour you like. choose /tʃuːz/ to decide which one you want You can choose any colour you like. | chose /tʃəʊz/ | chosen /ˈtʃəʊzn/ | to decide which one you want You can choose any colour you like. | ||
cling · clung · clung /klɪŋ/ · /klʌŋ/ · /klʌŋ/ to hold on to something tightly Wet clothes cling to your body. cling /klɪŋ/ to hold on to something tightly Wet clothes cling to your body. | clung /klʌŋ/ | clung /klʌŋ/ | to hold on to something tightly Wet clothes cling to your body. | ||
come · came · come /kʌm/ · /keɪm/ · /kʌm/ to move towards the speaker or a place Can you come to my party? come /kʌm/ to move towards the speaker or a place Can you come to my party? | came /keɪm/ | come /kʌm/ | to move towards the speaker or a place Can you come to my party? | ||
cost · cost · cost /kɒst/ · /kɒst/ · /kɒst/ to have a price How much does this jacket cost? cost /kɒst/ to have a price How much does this jacket cost? | cost /kɒst/ | cost /kɒst/ | to have a price How much does this jacket cost? | ||
creep · crept · crept /kriːp/ · /krept/ · /krept/ to move slowly and quietly The cat began to creep towards the bird. creep /kriːp/ to move slowly and quietly The cat began to creep towards the bird. | crept /krept/ | crept /krept/ | to move slowly and quietly The cat began to creep towards the bird. | ||
cut · cut · cut /kʌt/ · /kʌt/ · /kʌt/ to divide with a knife or scissors Cut the bread into slices. cut /kʌt/ to divide with a knife or scissors Cut the bread into slices. | cut /kʌt/ | cut /kʌt/ | to divide with a knife or scissors Cut the bread into slices. | ||
deal · dealt · dealt /diːl/ · /delt/ · /delt/ to take action to solve a problem I'll deal with it tomorrow. deal /diːl/ to take action to solve a problem I'll deal with it tomorrow. | dealt /delt/ | dealt /delt/ | to take action to solve a problem I'll deal with it tomorrow. | ||
dig · dug · dug /dɪɡ/ · /dʌɡ/ · /dʌɡ/ to make a hole in the ground The dog likes to dig in the garden. dig /dɪɡ/ to make a hole in the ground The dog likes to dig in the garden. | dug /dʌɡ/ | dug /dʌɡ/ | to make a hole in the ground The dog likes to dig in the garden. | ||
do · did · done /duː/ · /dɪd/ · /dʌn/ to perform an action What do you do at the weekend? do /duː/ to perform an action What do you do at the weekend? | did /dɪd/ | done /dʌn/ | to perform an action What do you do at the weekend? | ||
draw · drew · drawn /drɔː/ · /druː/ · /drɔːn/ to make a picture with a pen or pencil She likes to draw animals. draw /drɔː/ to make a picture with a pen or pencil She likes to draw animals. | drew /druː/ | drawn /drɔːn/ | to make a picture with a pen or pencil She likes to draw animals. | ||
drink · drank · drunk /drɪŋk/ · /dræŋk/ · /drʌŋk/ to take liquid into your mouth and swallow it You should drink more water. drink /drɪŋk/ to take liquid into your mouth and swallow it You should drink more water. | drank /dræŋk/ | drunk /drʌŋk/ | to take liquid into your mouth and swallow it You should drink more water. | ||
drive · drove · driven /draɪv/ · /drəʊv/ · /ˈdrɪvn/ to control a car or other vehicle Can you drive a car? drive /draɪv/ to control a car or other vehicle Can you drive a car? | drove /drəʊv/ | driven /ˈdrɪvn/ | to control a car or other vehicle Can you drive a car? | ||
eat · ate · eaten /iːt/ · /et/ · /ˈiːtn/ to put food in your mouth and swallow it We usually eat dinner at seven. eat /iːt/ to put food in your mouth and swallow it We usually eat dinner at seven. | ate /et/ | eaten /ˈiːtn/ | to put food in your mouth and swallow it We usually eat dinner at seven. | ||
fall · fell · fallen /fɔːl/ · /fel/ · /ˈfɔːlən/ to come down to the ground suddenly Be careful, you might fall. fall /fɔːl/ to come down to the ground suddenly Be careful, you might fall. | fell /fel/ | fallen /ˈfɔːlən/ | to come down to the ground suddenly Be careful, you might fall. | ||
feed · fed · fed /fiːd/ · /fed/ · /fed/ to give food to a person or animal Don't forget to feed the cat. feed /fiːd/ to give food to a person or animal Don't forget to feed the cat. | fed /fed/ | fed /fed/ | to give food to a person or animal Don't forget to feed the cat. | ||
feel · felt · felt /fiːl/ · /felt/ · /felt/ to experience an emotion or a sensation I feel tired today. feel /fiːl/ to experience an emotion or a sensation I feel tired today. | felt /felt/ | felt /felt/ | to experience an emotion or a sensation I feel tired today. | ||
fight · fought · fought /faɪt/ · /fɔːt/ · /fɔːt/ to use force against someone The two brothers often fight. fight /faɪt/ to use force against someone The two brothers often fight. | fought /fɔːt/ | fought /fɔːt/ | to use force against someone The two brothers often fight. | ||
find · found · found /faɪnd/ · /faʊnd/ · /faʊnd/ to discover where something is I can't find my keys. find /faɪnd/ to discover where something is I can't find my keys. | found /faʊnd/ | found /faʊnd/ | to discover where something is I can't find my keys. | ||
flee · fled · fled /fliː/ · /fled/ · /fled/ to escape from danger Thousands had to flee the city. flee /fliː/ to escape from danger Thousands had to flee the city. | fled /fled/ | fled /fled/ | to escape from danger Thousands had to flee the city. | ||
fling · flung · flung /flɪŋ/ · /flʌŋ/ · /flʌŋ/ to throw something carelessly or with force He likes to fling his coat on the chair. fling /flɪŋ/ to throw something carelessly or with force He likes to fling his coat on the chair. | flung /flʌŋ/ | flung /flʌŋ/ | to throw something carelessly or with force He likes to fling his coat on the chair. | ||
fly · flew · flown /flaɪ/ · /fluː/ · /fləʊn/ to move through the air Birds fly south in winter. fly /flaɪ/ to move through the air Birds fly south in winter. | flew /fluː/ | flown /fləʊn/ | to move through the air Birds fly south in winter. | ||
forbid · forbade · forbidden /fəˈbɪd/ · /fəˈbæd/ · /fəˈbɪdn/ to say that something is not allowed Smoking is forbidden here. forbid /fəˈbɪd/ to say that something is not allowed Smoking is forbidden here. | forbade /fəˈbæd/ | forbidden /fəˈbɪdn/ | to say that something is not allowed Smoking is forbidden here. | ||
forecast · forecast · forecast /ˈfɔːkɑːst/ · /ˈfɔːkɑːst/ · /ˈfɔːkɑːst/ to say what will happen in the future They forecast rain for the weekend. forecast /ˈfɔːkɑːst/ to say what will happen in the future They forecast rain for the weekend. | forecast /ˈfɔːkɑːst/ | forecast /ˈfɔːkɑːst/ | to say what will happen in the future They forecast rain for the weekend. | ||
foresee · foresaw · foreseen /fɔːˈsiː/ · /fɔːˈsɔː/ · /fɔːˈsiːn/ to know that something will happen before it does Nobody could foresee the problem. foresee /fɔːˈsiː/ to know that something will happen before it does Nobody could foresee the problem. | foresaw /fɔːˈsɔː/ | foreseen /fɔːˈsiːn/ | to know that something will happen before it does Nobody could foresee the problem. | ||
forget · forgot · forgotten /fəˈɡet/ · /fəˈɡɒt/ · /fəˈɡɒtn/ to not remember Don't forget your umbrella. forget /fəˈɡet/ to not remember Don't forget your umbrella. | forgot /fəˈɡɒt/ | forgotten /fəˈɡɒtn/ | to not remember Don't forget your umbrella. | ||
forgive · forgave · forgiven /fəˈɡɪv/ · /fəˈɡeɪv/ · /fəˈɡɪvn/ to stop being angry with someone I can't forgive him for lying. forgive /fəˈɡɪv/ to stop being angry with someone I can't forgive him for lying. | forgave /fəˈɡeɪv/ | forgiven /fəˈɡɪvn/ | to stop being angry with someone I can't forgive him for lying. | ||
freeze · froze · frozen /friːz/ · /frəʊz/ · /ˈfrəʊzn/ to become ice; to make very cold Water freezes at zero degrees. freeze /friːz/ to become ice; to make very cold Water freezes at zero degrees. | froze /frəʊz/ | frozen /ˈfrəʊzn/ | to become ice; to make very cold Water freezes at zero degrees. | ||
get · got · got, gotten /ɡet/ · /ɡɒt/ · /ɡɒt/, /ˈɡɒtn/ to receive I get a lot of emails every day. get /ɡet/ to receive I get a lot of emails every day. | got /ɡɒt/ | got, gotten /ɡɒt/, /ˈɡɒtn/ | to receive I get a lot of emails every day. | ||
give · gave · given /ɡɪv/ · /ɡeɪv/ · /ˈɡɪvn/ to hand something to someone Can you give me a hand? give /ɡɪv/ to hand something to someone Can you give me a hand? | gave /ɡeɪv/ | given /ˈɡɪvn/ | to hand something to someone Can you give me a hand? | ||
go · went · gone /ɡəʊ/ · /went/ · /ɡɒn/ to move to another place Let's go to the cinema tonight. go /ɡəʊ/ to move to another place Let's go to the cinema tonight. | went /went/ | gone /ɡɒn/ | to move to another place Let's go to the cinema tonight. | ||
grind · ground · ground /ɡraɪnd/ · /ɡraʊnd/ · /ɡraʊnd/ to crush into very small pieces or powder I grind fresh coffee every morning. grind /ɡraɪnd/ to crush into very small pieces or powder I grind fresh coffee every morning. | ground /ɡraʊnd/ | ground /ɡraʊnd/ | to crush into very small pieces or powder I grind fresh coffee every morning. | ||
grow · grew · grown /ɡrəʊ/ · /ɡruː/ · /ɡrəʊn/ to become bigger Tomatoes grow well in the sun. grow /ɡrəʊ/ to become bigger Tomatoes grow well in the sun. | grew /ɡruː/ | grown /ɡrəʊn/ | to become bigger Tomatoes grow well in the sun. | ||
hang · hung · hung /hæŋ/ · /hʌŋ/ · /hʌŋ/ to put something on a hook so it is held from above Hang your coat by the door. hang /hæŋ/ to put something on a hook so it is held from above Hang your coat by the door. | hung /hʌŋ/ | hung /hʌŋ/ | to put something on a hook so it is held from above Hang your coat by the door. | ||
have · had · had /hæv/ · /hæd/ · /hæd/ to own or hold We have two children. have /hæv/ to own or hold We have two children. | had /hæd/ | had /hæd/ | to own or hold We have two children. | ||
hear · heard · heard /hɪə/ · /hɜːd/ · /hɜːd/ to notice sounds with your ears Can you hear me? hear /hɪə/ to notice sounds with your ears Can you hear me? | heard /hɜːd/ | heard /hɜːd/ | to notice sounds with your ears Can you hear me? | ||
hide · hid · hidden /haɪd/ · /hɪd/ · /ˈhɪdn/ to put something where no one can see it Where did you hide the presents? hide /haɪd/ to put something where no one can see it Where did you hide the presents? | hid /hɪd/ | hidden /ˈhɪdn/ | to put something where no one can see it Where did you hide the presents? | ||
hit · hit · hit /hɪt/ · /hɪt/ · /hɪt/ to touch with force Don't hit your brother. hit /hɪt/ to touch with force Don't hit your brother. | hit /hɪt/ | hit /hɪt/ | to touch with force Don't hit your brother. | ||
hold · held · held /həʊld/ · /held/ · /held/ to have something in your hand Hold my hand. hold /həʊld/ to have something in your hand Hold my hand. | held /held/ | held /held/ | to have something in your hand Hold my hand. | ||
hurt · hurt · hurt /hɜːt/ · /hɜːt/ · /hɜːt/ to cause pain; to feel pain My back hurts. hurt /hɜːt/ to cause pain; to feel pain My back hurts. | hurt /hɜːt/ | hurt /hɜːt/ | to cause pain; to feel pain My back hurts. | ||
keep · kept · kept /kiːp/ · /kept/ · /kept/ to continue to have something You can keep the change. keep /kiːp/ to continue to have something You can keep the change. | kept /kept/ | kept /kept/ | to continue to have something You can keep the change. | ||
kneel · knelt · knelt /niːl/ · /nelt/ · /nelt/ to go down on your knees Please kneel down here. kneel /niːl/ to go down on your knees Please kneel down here. | knelt /nelt/ | knelt /nelt/ | to go down on your knees Please kneel down here. | ||
know · knew · known /nəʊ/ · /njuː/ · /nəʊn/ to have information in your mind Do you know the answer? know /nəʊ/ to have information in your mind Do you know the answer? | knew /njuː/ | known /nəʊn/ | to have information in your mind Do you know the answer? | ||
lay · laid · laid /leɪ/ · /leɪd/ · /leɪd/ to put something down carefully Lay the baby on the bed. lay /leɪ/ to put something down carefully Lay the baby on the bed. | laid /leɪd/ | laid /leɪd/ | to put something down carefully Lay the baby on the bed. | ||
lead · led · led /liːd/ · /led/ · /led/ to be in charge of a group She will lead the team. lead /liːd/ to be in charge of a group She will lead the team. | led /led/ | led /led/ | to be in charge of a group She will lead the team. | ||
leave · left · left /liːv/ · /left/ · /left/ to go away from a place I leave home at seven. leave /liːv/ to go away from a place I leave home at seven. | left /left/ | left /left/ | to go away from a place I leave home at seven. | ||
lend · lent · lent /lend/ · /lent/ · /lent/ to give something for a time, to be returned Could you lend me ten euros? lend /lend/ to give something for a time, to be returned Could you lend me ten euros? | lent /lent/ | lent /lent/ | to give something for a time, to be returned Could you lend me ten euros? | ||
let · let · let /let/ · /let/ · /let/ to allow Let me help you. let /let/ to allow Let me help you. | let /let/ | let /let/ | to allow Let me help you. | ||
lie · lay · lain /laɪ/ · /leɪ/ · /leɪn/ to be in a flat position on a surface I want to lie on the beach all day. lie /laɪ/ to be in a flat position on a surface I want to lie on the beach all day. | lay /leɪ/ | lain /leɪn/ | to be in a flat position on a surface I want to lie on the beach all day. | ||
light · lit · lit /laɪt/ · /lɪt/ · /lɪt/ to make something start burning Light the candles. light /laɪt/ to make something start burning Light the candles. | lit /lɪt/ | lit /lɪt/ | to make something start burning Light the candles. | ||
lose · lost · lost /luːz/ · /lɒst/ · /lɒst/ to no longer have something Don't lose your ticket. lose /luːz/ to no longer have something Don't lose your ticket. | lost /lɒst/ | lost /lɒst/ | to no longer have something Don't lose your ticket. | ||
make · made · made /meɪk/ · /meɪd/ · /meɪd/ to create or produce Let's make a cake. make /meɪk/ to create or produce Let's make a cake. | made /meɪd/ | made /meɪd/ | to create or produce Let's make a cake. | ||
mean · meant · meant /miːn/ · /ment/ · /ment/ to have a meaning What does this word mean? mean /miːn/ to have a meaning What does this word mean? | meant /ment/ | meant /ment/ | to have a meaning What does this word mean? | ||
meet · met · met /miːt/ · /met/ · /met/ to see and talk to someone for the first time Nice to meet you. meet /miːt/ to see and talk to someone for the first time Nice to meet you. | met /met/ | met /met/ | to see and talk to someone for the first time Nice to meet you. | ||
mislead · misled · misled /ˌmɪsˈliːd/ · /ˌmɪsˈled/ · /ˌmɪsˈled/ to make someone believe something untrue The advert may mislead customers. mislead /ˌmɪsˈliːd/ to make someone believe something untrue The advert may mislead customers. | misled /ˌmɪsˈled/ | misled /ˌmɪsˈled/ | to make someone believe something untrue The advert may mislead customers. | ||
mistake · mistook · mistaken /mɪˈsteɪk/ · /mɪˈstʊk/ · /mɪˈsteɪkən/ to think one thing is another Don't mistake kindness for weakness. mistake /mɪˈsteɪk/ to think one thing is another Don't mistake kindness for weakness. | mistook /mɪˈstʊk/ | mistaken /mɪˈsteɪkən/ | to think one thing is another Don't mistake kindness for weakness. | ||
misunderstand · misunderstood · misunderstood /ˌmɪsʌndəˈstænd/ · /ˌmɪsʌndəˈstʊd/ · /ˌmɪsʌndəˈstʊd/ to understand something wrongly Please don't misunderstand me. misunderstand /ˌmɪsʌndəˈstænd/ to understand something wrongly Please don't misunderstand me. | misunderstood /ˌmɪsʌndəˈstʊd/ | misunderstood /ˌmɪsʌndəˈstʊd/ | to understand something wrongly Please don't misunderstand me. | ||
mow · mowed · mown /məʊ/ · /məʊd/ · /məʊn/ to cut grass with a machine I mow the lawn every Saturday. mow /məʊ/ to cut grass with a machine I mow the lawn every Saturday. | mowed /məʊd/ | mown /məʊn/ | to cut grass with a machine I mow the lawn every Saturday. | ||
overcome · overcame · overcome /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/ · /ˌəʊvəˈkeɪm/ · /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/ to deal with a problem and succeed She overcame her fear of flying. overcome /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/ to deal with a problem and succeed She overcame her fear of flying. | overcame /ˌəʊvəˈkeɪm/ | overcome /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/ | to deal with a problem and succeed She overcame her fear of flying. | ||
overhear · overheard · overheard /ˌəʊvəˈhɪə/ · /ˌəʊvəˈhɜːd/ · /ˌəʊvəˈhɜːd/ to hear something not said to you I didn't mean to overhear your conversation. overhear /ˌəʊvəˈhɪə/ to hear something not said to you I didn't mean to overhear your conversation. | overheard /ˌəʊvəˈhɜːd/ | overheard /ˌəʊvəˈhɜːd/ | to hear something not said to you I didn't mean to overhear your conversation. | ||
oversleep · overslept · overslept /ˌəʊvəˈsliːp/ · /ˌəʊvəˈslept/ · /ˌəʊvəˈslept/ to sleep longer than you meant to Set two alarms so you don't oversleep. oversleep /ˌəʊvəˈsliːp/ to sleep longer than you meant to Set two alarms so you don't oversleep. | overslept /ˌəʊvəˈslept/ | overslept /ˌəʊvəˈslept/ | to sleep longer than you meant to Set two alarms so you don't oversleep. | ||
overtake · overtook · overtaken /ˌəʊvəˈteɪk/ · /ˌəʊvəˈtʊk/ · /ˌəʊvəˈteɪkən/ to go past a vehicle in front It's dangerous to overtake on a bend. overtake /ˌəʊvəˈteɪk/ to go past a vehicle in front It's dangerous to overtake on a bend. | overtook /ˌəʊvəˈtʊk/ | overtaken /ˌəʊvəˈteɪkən/ | to go past a vehicle in front It's dangerous to overtake on a bend. | ||
overthrow · overthrew · overthrown /ˌəʊvəˈθrəʊ/ · /ˌəʊvəˈθruː/ · /ˌəʊvəˈθrəʊn/ to remove a government or leader by force The army tried to overthrow the government. overthrow /ˌəʊvəˈθrəʊ/ to remove a government or leader by force The army tried to overthrow the government. | overthrew /ˌəʊvəˈθruː/ | overthrown /ˌəʊvəˈθrəʊn/ | to remove a government or leader by force The army tried to overthrow the government. | ||
pay · paid · paid /peɪ/ · /peɪd/ · /peɪd/ to give money for something I'll pay for dinner. pay /peɪ/ to give money for something I'll pay for dinner. | paid /peɪd/ | paid /peɪd/ | to give money for something I'll pay for dinner. | ||
put · put · put /pʊt/ · /pʊt/ · /pʊt/ to move something into a place Put your bag on the table. put /pʊt/ to move something into a place Put your bag on the table. | put /pʊt/ | put /pʊt/ | to move something into a place Put your bag on the table. | ||
quit · quit · quit /kwɪt/ · /kwɪt/ · /kwɪt/ to leave a job; to stop doing something He quit his job last month. quit /kwɪt/ to leave a job; to stop doing something He quit his job last month. | quit /kwɪt/ | quit /kwɪt/ | to leave a job; to stop doing something He quit his job last month. | ||
read · read · read /riːd/ · /red/ · /red/ to look at words and understand them I read before I go to sleep. read /riːd/ to look at words and understand them I read before I go to sleep. | read /red/ | read /red/ | to look at words and understand them I read before I go to sleep. | ||
rebuild · rebuilt · rebuilt /ˌriːˈbɪld/ · /ˌriːˈbɪlt/ · /ˌriːˈbɪlt/ to build again They had to rebuild the bridge. rebuild /ˌriːˈbɪld/ to build again They had to rebuild the bridge. | rebuilt /ˌriːˈbɪlt/ | rebuilt /ˌriːˈbɪlt/ | to build again They had to rebuild the bridge. | ||
redo · redid · redone /ˌriːˈduː/ · /ˌriːˈdɪd/ · /ˌriːˈdʌn/ to do again You'll have to redo this exercise. redo /ˌriːˈduː/ to do again You'll have to redo this exercise. | redid /ˌriːˈdɪd/ | redone /ˌriːˈdʌn/ | to do again You'll have to redo this exercise. | ||
remake · remade · remade /ˌriːˈmeɪk/ · /ˌriːˈmeɪd/ · /ˌriːˈmeɪd/ to make again, especially a film They want to remake the old film. remake /ˌriːˈmeɪk/ to make again, especially a film They want to remake the old film. | remade /ˌriːˈmeɪd/ | remade /ˌriːˈmeɪd/ | to make again, especially a film They want to remake the old film. | ||
repay · repaid · repaid /rɪˈpeɪ/ · /rɪˈpeɪd/ · /rɪˈpeɪd/ to pay back money you owe I'll repay you next week. repay /rɪˈpeɪ/ to pay back money you owe I'll repay you next week. | repaid /rɪˈpeɪd/ | repaid /rɪˈpeɪd/ | to pay back money you owe I'll repay you next week. | ||
reset · reset · reset /ˌriːˈset/ · /ˌriːˈset/ · /ˌriːˈset/ to set again, usually back to the start You can reset your password here. reset /ˌriːˈset/ to set again, usually back to the start You can reset your password here. | reset /ˌriːˈset/ | reset /ˌriːˈset/ | to set again, usually back to the start You can reset your password here. | ||
retell · retold · retold /ˌriːˈtel/ · /ˌriːˈtəʊld/ · /ˌriːˈtəʊld/ to tell a story again Can you retell the story in your own words? retell /ˌriːˈtel/ to tell a story again Can you retell the story in your own words? | retold /ˌriːˈtəʊld/ | retold /ˌriːˈtəʊld/ | to tell a story again Can you retell the story in your own words? | ||
rewrite · rewrote · rewritten /ˌriːˈraɪt/ · /ˌriːˈrəʊt/ · /ˌriːˈrɪtn/ to write again in a different way I need to rewrite my essay. rewrite /ˌriːˈraɪt/ to write again in a different way I need to rewrite my essay. | rewrote /ˌriːˈrəʊt/ | rewritten /ˌriːˈrɪtn/ | to write again in a different way I need to rewrite my essay. | ||
ride · rode · ridden /raɪd/ · /rəʊd/ · /ˈrɪdn/ to sit on a bike or a horse and travel on it Can you ride a bike? ride /raɪd/ to sit on a bike or a horse and travel on it Can you ride a bike? | rode /rəʊd/ | ridden /ˈrɪdn/ | to sit on a bike or a horse and travel on it Can you ride a bike? | ||
ring · rang · rung /rɪŋ/ · /ræŋ/ · /rʌŋ/ to make the sound of a bell The phone is ringing. ring /rɪŋ/ to make the sound of a bell The phone is ringing. | rang /ræŋ/ | rung /rʌŋ/ | to make the sound of a bell The phone is ringing. | ||
rise · rose · risen /raɪz/ · /rəʊz/ · /ˈrɪzn/ to go up Prices rise every year. rise /raɪz/ to go up Prices rise every year. | rose /rəʊz/ | risen /ˈrɪzn/ | to go up Prices rise every year. | ||
run · ran · run /rʌn/ · /ræn/ · /rʌn/ to move fast on your feet I run every morning. run /rʌn/ to move fast on your feet I run every morning. | ran /ræn/ | run /rʌn/ | to move fast on your feet I run every morning. | ||
say · said · said /seɪ/ · /sed/ · /sed/ to speak words What did you say? say /seɪ/ to speak words What did you say? | said /sed/ | said /sed/ | to speak words What did you say? | ||
see · saw · seen /siː/ · /sɔː/ · /siːn/ to notice with your eyes I can see the sea from my window. see /siː/ to notice with your eyes I can see the sea from my window. | saw /sɔː/ | seen /siːn/ | to notice with your eyes I can see the sea from my window. | ||
seek · sought · sought /siːk/ · /sɔːt/ · /sɔːt/ to try to find or get You should seek medical advice. seek /siːk/ to try to find or get You should seek medical advice. | sought /sɔːt/ | sought /sɔːt/ | to try to find or get You should seek medical advice. | ||
sell · sold · sold /sel/ · /səʊld/ · /səʊld/ to give something in exchange for money They sell fresh fish here. sell /sel/ to give something in exchange for money They sell fresh fish here. | sold /səʊld/ | sold /səʊld/ | to give something in exchange for money They sell fresh fish here. | ||
send · sent · sent /send/ · /sent/ · /sent/ to make something go to someone I'll send you an email. send /send/ to make something go to someone I'll send you an email. | sent /sent/ | sent /sent/ | to make something go to someone I'll send you an email. | ||
set · set · set /set/ · /set/ · /set/ to put something in a place; to prepare a table Set the table for dinner. set /set/ to put something in a place; to prepare a table Set the table for dinner. | set /set/ | set /set/ | to put something in a place; to prepare a table Set the table for dinner. | ||
sew · sewed · sewn /səʊ/ · /səʊd/ · /səʊn/ to join cloth with a needle and thread My grandmother taught me to sew. sew /səʊ/ to join cloth with a needle and thread My grandmother taught me to sew. | sewed /səʊd/ | sewn /səʊn/ | to join cloth with a needle and thread My grandmother taught me to sew. | ||
shake · shook · shaken /ʃeɪk/ · /ʃʊk/ · /ˈʃeɪkən/ to move quickly up and down or from side to side Shake the bottle before you open it. shake /ʃeɪk/ to move quickly up and down or from side to side Shake the bottle before you open it. | shook /ʃʊk/ | shaken /ˈʃeɪkən/ | to move quickly up and down or from side to side Shake the bottle before you open it. | ||
shed · shed · shed /ʃed/ · /ʃed/ · /ʃed/ to lose skin, hair or leaves naturally Snakes shed their skin. shed /ʃed/ to lose skin, hair or leaves naturally Snakes shed their skin. | shed /ʃed/ | shed /ʃed/ | to lose skin, hair or leaves naturally Snakes shed their skin. | ||
shine · shone · shone /ʃaɪn/ · /ʃɒn/ · /ʃɒn/ to give out light The sun is shining today. shine /ʃaɪn/ to give out light The sun is shining today. | shone /ʃɒn/ | shone /ʃɒn/ | to give out light The sun is shining today. | ||
shoot · shot · shot /ʃuːt/ · /ʃɒt/ · /ʃɒt/ to fire a gun Don't shoot! shoot /ʃuːt/ to fire a gun Don't shoot! | shot /ʃɒt/ | shot /ʃɒt/ | to fire a gun Don't shoot! | ||
show · showed · shown /ʃəʊ/ · /ʃəʊd/ · /ʃəʊn/ to let someone see something Show me your photos. show /ʃəʊ/ to let someone see something Show me your photos. | showed /ʃəʊd/ | shown /ʃəʊn/ | to let someone see something Show me your photos. | ||
shrink · shrank · shrunk /ʃrɪŋk/ · /ʃræŋk/ · /ʃrʌŋk/ to become smaller Wool can shrink in hot water. shrink /ʃrɪŋk/ to become smaller Wool can shrink in hot water. | shrank /ʃræŋk/ | shrunk /ʃrʌŋk/ | to become smaller Wool can shrink in hot water. | ||
shut · shut · shut /ʃʌt/ · /ʃʌt/ · /ʃʌt/ to close Please shut the door. shut /ʃʌt/ to close Please shut the door. | shut /ʃʌt/ | shut /ʃʌt/ | to close Please shut the door. | ||
sing · sang · sung /sɪŋ/ · /sæŋ/ · /sʌŋ/ to make music with your voice She loves to sing in the shower. sing /sɪŋ/ to make music with your voice She loves to sing in the shower. | sang /sæŋ/ | sung /sʌŋ/ | to make music with your voice She loves to sing in the shower. | ||
sink · sank · sunk /sɪŋk/ · /sæŋk/ · /sʌŋk/ to go down under water The boat began to sink. sink /sɪŋk/ to go down under water The boat began to sink. | sank /sæŋk/ | sunk /sʌŋk/ | to go down under water The boat began to sink. | ||
sit · sat · sat /sɪt/ · /sæt/ · /sæt/ to rest on a chair or seat Please sit down. sit /sɪt/ to rest on a chair or seat Please sit down. | sat /sæt/ | sat /sæt/ | to rest on a chair or seat Please sit down. | ||
sleep · slept · slept /sliːp/ · /slept/ · /slept/ to rest with your eyes closed I couldn't sleep last night. sleep /sliːp/ to rest with your eyes closed I couldn't sleep last night. | slept /slept/ | slept /slept/ | to rest with your eyes closed I couldn't sleep last night. | ||
slide · slid · slid /slaɪd/ · /slɪd/ · /slɪd/ to move smoothly over a surface Kids love to slide on the ice. slide /slaɪd/ to move smoothly over a surface Kids love to slide on the ice. | slid /slɪd/ | slid /slɪd/ | to move smoothly over a surface Kids love to slide on the ice. | ||
sling · slung · slung /slɪŋ/ · /slʌŋ/ · /slʌŋ/ to throw or hang something loosely He slings his bag over his shoulder. sling /slɪŋ/ to throw or hang something loosely He slings his bag over his shoulder. | slung /slʌŋ/ | slung /slʌŋ/ | to throw or hang something loosely He slings his bag over his shoulder. | ||
slit · slit · slit /slɪt/ · /slɪt/ · /slɪt/ to make a long, thin cut Slit the envelope open with a knife. slit /slɪt/ to make a long, thin cut Slit the envelope open with a knife. | slit /slɪt/ | slit /slɪt/ | to make a long, thin cut Slit the envelope open with a knife. | ||
sow · sowed · sown /səʊ/ · /səʊd/ · /səʊn/ to put seeds in the ground Farmers sow wheat in autumn. sow /səʊ/ to put seeds in the ground Farmers sow wheat in autumn. | sowed /səʊd/ | sown /səʊn/ | to put seeds in the ground Farmers sow wheat in autumn. | ||
speak · spoke · spoken /spiːk/ · /spəʊk/ · /ˈspəʊkən/ to say words; to know a language Do you speak English? speak /spiːk/ to say words; to know a language Do you speak English? | spoke /spəʊk/ | spoken /ˈspəʊkən/ | to say words; to know a language Do you speak English? | ||
speed · sped · sped /spiːd/ · /sped/ · /sped/ to drive faster than allowed Don't speed in the city centre. speed /spiːd/ to drive faster than allowed Don't speed in the city centre. | sped /sped/ | sped /sped/ | to drive faster than allowed Don't speed in the city centre. | ||
spend · spent · spent /spend/ · /spent/ · /spent/ to use money or time I spend too much money on clothes. spend /spend/ to use money or time I spend too much money on clothes. | spent /spent/ | spent /spent/ | to use money or time I spend too much money on clothes. | ||
spin · spun · spun /spɪn/ · /spʌn/ · /spʌn/ to turn round quickly The wheels began to spin. spin /spɪn/ to turn round quickly The wheels began to spin. | spun /spʌn/ | spun /spʌn/ | to turn round quickly The wheels began to spin. | ||
spit · spat · spat /spɪt/ · /spæt/ · /spæt/ to force liquid out of your mouth Please don't spit on the street. spit /spɪt/ to force liquid out of your mouth Please don't spit on the street. | spat /spæt/ | spat /spæt/ | to force liquid out of your mouth Please don't spit on the street. | ||
split · split · split /splɪt/ · /splɪt/ · /splɪt/ to divide into parts Let's split the bill. split /splɪt/ to divide into parts Let's split the bill. | split /splɪt/ | split /splɪt/ | to divide into parts Let's split the bill. | ||
spread · spread · spread /spred/ · /spred/ · /spred/ to cover a surface with something soft Spread the butter on the bread. spread /spred/ to cover a surface with something soft Spread the butter on the bread. | spread /spred/ | spread /spred/ | to cover a surface with something soft Spread the butter on the bread. | ||
spring · sprang · sprung /sprɪŋ/ · /spræŋ/ · /sprʌŋ/ to jump suddenly Tigers spring on their prey. spring /sprɪŋ/ to jump suddenly Tigers spring on their prey. | sprang /spræŋ/ | sprung /sprʌŋ/ | to jump suddenly Tigers spring on their prey. | ||
stand · stood · stood /stænd/ · /stʊd/ · /stʊd/ to be on your feet Please stand by the door. stand /stænd/ to be on your feet Please stand by the door. | stood /stʊd/ | stood /stʊd/ | to be on your feet Please stand by the door. | ||
steal · stole · stolen /stiːl/ · /stəʊl/ · /ˈstəʊlən/ to take something that is not yours Someone tried to steal my bike. steal /stiːl/ to take something that is not yours Someone tried to steal my bike. | stole /stəʊl/ | stolen /ˈstəʊlən/ | to take something that is not yours Someone tried to steal my bike. | ||
stick · stuck · stuck /stɪk/ · /stʌk/ · /stʌk/ to fix with glue Stick the photo on the wall. stick /stɪk/ to fix with glue Stick the photo on the wall. | stuck /stʌk/ | stuck /stʌk/ | to fix with glue Stick the photo on the wall. | ||
sting · stung · stung /stɪŋ/ · /stʌŋ/ · /stʌŋ/ to hurt with a small sharp point, as a bee does Bees only sting when they feel in danger. sting /stɪŋ/ to hurt with a small sharp point, as a bee does Bees only sting when they feel in danger. | stung /stʌŋ/ | stung /stʌŋ/ | to hurt with a small sharp point, as a bee does Bees only sting when they feel in danger. | ||
stink · stank · stunk /stɪŋk/ · /stæŋk/ · /stʌŋk/ to smell very bad These old shoes stink! stink /stɪŋk/ to smell very bad These old shoes stink! | stank /stæŋk/ | stunk /stʌŋk/ | to smell very bad These old shoes stink! | ||
stride · strode · stridden /straɪd/ · /strəʊd/ · /ˈstrɪdn/ to walk with long steps He strides into the room with a smile. stride /straɪd/ to walk with long steps He strides into the room with a smile. | strode /strəʊd/ | stridden /ˈstrɪdn/ | to walk with long steps He strides into the room with a smile. | ||
strike · struck · struck /straɪk/ · /strʌk/ · /strʌk/ to stop working as a protest; to hit Workers may strike next week. strike /straɪk/ to stop working as a protest; to hit Workers may strike next week. | struck /strʌk/ | struck /strʌk/ | to stop working as a protest; to hit Workers may strike next week. | ||
string · strung · strung /strɪŋ/ · /strʌŋ/ · /strʌŋ/ to hang things in a line We string lights across the garden every summer. string /strɪŋ/ to hang things in a line We string lights across the garden every summer. | strung /strʌŋ/ | strung /strʌŋ/ | to hang things in a line We string lights across the garden every summer. | ||
strive · strove · striven /straɪv/ · /strəʊv/ · /ˈstrɪvn/ to try very hard We always strive to do better. strive /straɪv/ to try very hard We always strive to do better. | strove /strəʊv/ | striven /ˈstrɪvn/ | to try very hard We always strive to do better. | ||
swear · swore · sworn /sweə/ · /swɔː/ · /swɔːn/ to make a serious promise; to use rude words I swear I didn't do it. swear /sweə/ to make a serious promise; to use rude words I swear I didn't do it. | swore /swɔː/ | sworn /swɔːn/ | to make a serious promise; to use rude words I swear I didn't do it. | ||
sweep · swept · swept /swiːp/ · /swept/ · /swept/ to clean with a brush Can you sweep the floor? sweep /swiːp/ to clean with a brush Can you sweep the floor? | swept /swept/ | swept /swept/ | to clean with a brush Can you sweep the floor? | ||
swell · swelled · swollen /swel/ · /sweld/ · /ˈswəʊlən/ to become bigger, often after an injury My ankle started to swell. swell /swel/ to become bigger, often after an injury My ankle started to swell. | swelled /sweld/ | swollen /ˈswəʊlən/ | to become bigger, often after an injury My ankle started to swell. | ||
swim · swam · swum /swɪm/ · /swæm/ · /swʌm/ to move through water using your body Can you swim? swim /swɪm/ to move through water using your body Can you swim? | swam /swæm/ | swum /swʌm/ | to move through water using your body Can you swim? | ||
swing · swung · swung /swɪŋ/ · /swʌŋ/ · /swʌŋ/ to move backwards and forwards from a fixed point The children swing in the park. swing /swɪŋ/ to move backwards and forwards from a fixed point The children swing in the park. | swung /swʌŋ/ | swung /swʌŋ/ | to move backwards and forwards from a fixed point The children swing in the park. | ||
take · took · taken /teɪk/ · /tʊk/ · /ˈteɪkən/ to get hold of something and carry it Take an umbrella, it's raining. take /teɪk/ to get hold of something and carry it Take an umbrella, it's raining. | took /tʊk/ | taken /ˈteɪkən/ | to get hold of something and carry it Take an umbrella, it's raining. | ||
teach · taught · taught /tiːtʃ/ · /tɔːt/ · /tɔːt/ to help someone learn She teaches maths at a school. teach /tiːtʃ/ to help someone learn She teaches maths at a school. | taught /tɔːt/ | taught /tɔːt/ | to help someone learn She teaches maths at a school. | ||
tear · tore · torn /teə/ · /tɔː/ · /tɔːn/ to pull apart into pieces Be careful not to tear the paper. tear /teə/ to pull apart into pieces Be careful not to tear the paper. | tore /tɔː/ | torn /tɔːn/ | to pull apart into pieces Be careful not to tear the paper. | ||
tell · told · told /tel/ · /təʊld/ · /təʊld/ to give information to someone Tell me about your day. tell /tel/ to give information to someone Tell me about your day. | told /təʊld/ | told /təʊld/ | to give information to someone Tell me about your day. | ||
think · thought · thought /θɪŋk/ · /θɔːt/ · /θɔːt/ to have an opinion; to use your mind I think it's a good idea. think /θɪŋk/ to have an opinion; to use your mind I think it's a good idea. | thought /θɔːt/ | thought /θɔːt/ | to have an opinion; to use your mind I think it's a good idea. | ||
throw · threw · thrown /θrəʊ/ · /θruː/ · /θrəʊn/ to send something through the air with your hand Throw me the ball! throw /θrəʊ/ to send something through the air with your hand Throw me the ball! | threw /θruː/ | thrown /θrəʊn/ | to send something through the air with your hand Throw me the ball! | ||
thrust · thrust · thrust /θrʌst/ · /θrʌst/ · /θrʌst/ to push suddenly and hard She thrust the letter into my hand. thrust /θrʌst/ to push suddenly and hard She thrust the letter into my hand. | thrust /θrʌst/ | thrust /θrʌst/ | to push suddenly and hard She thrust the letter into my hand. | ||
tread · trod · trodden /tred/ · /trɒd/ · /ˈtrɒdn/ to put your foot on something Try not to tread on the flowers. tread /tred/ to put your foot on something Try not to tread on the flowers. | trod /trɒd/ | trodden /ˈtrɒdn/ | to put your foot on something Try not to tread on the flowers. | ||
undergo · underwent · undergone /ˌʌndəˈɡəʊ/ · /ˌʌndəˈwent/ · /ˌʌndəˈɡɒn/ to go through something, often unpleasant He will undergo surgery next week. undergo /ˌʌndəˈɡəʊ/ to go through something, often unpleasant He will undergo surgery next week. | underwent /ˌʌndəˈwent/ | undergone /ˌʌndəˈɡɒn/ | to go through something, often unpleasant He will undergo surgery next week. | ||
understand · understood · understood /ˌʌndəˈstænd/ · /ˌʌndəˈstʊd/ · /ˌʌndəˈstʊd/ to know the meaning of something I don't understand the question. understand /ˌʌndəˈstænd/ to know the meaning of something I don't understand the question. | understood /ˌʌndəˈstʊd/ | understood /ˌʌndəˈstʊd/ | to know the meaning of something I don't understand the question. | ||
undertake · undertook · undertaken /ˌʌndəˈteɪk/ · /ˌʌndəˈtʊk/ · /ˌʌndəˈteɪkən/ to agree to do a job or task She agreed to undertake the project. undertake /ˌʌndəˈteɪk/ to agree to do a job or task She agreed to undertake the project. | undertook /ˌʌndəˈtʊk/ | undertaken /ˌʌndəˈteɪkən/ | to agree to do a job or task She agreed to undertake the project. | ||
uphold · upheld · upheld /ʌpˈhəʊld/ · /ʌpˈheld/ · /ʌpˈheld/ to support a decision or a rule The court will uphold the decision. uphold /ʌpˈhəʊld/ to support a decision or a rule The court will uphold the decision. | upheld /ʌpˈheld/ | upheld /ʌpˈheld/ | to support a decision or a rule The court will uphold the decision. | ||
upset · upset · upset /ʌpˈset/ · /ʌpˈset/ · /ʌpˈset/ to make someone unhappy I didn't mean to upset you. upset /ʌpˈset/ to make someone unhappy I didn't mean to upset you. | upset /ʌpˈset/ | upset /ʌpˈset/ | to make someone unhappy I didn't mean to upset you. | ||
wake · woke · woken /weɪk/ · /wəʊk/ · /ˈwəʊkən/ to stop sleeping; to make someone stop sleeping Please wake me up at seven. wake /weɪk/ to stop sleeping; to make someone stop sleeping Please wake me up at seven. | woke /wəʊk/ | woken /ˈwəʊkən/ | to stop sleeping; to make someone stop sleeping Please wake me up at seven. | ||
wear · wore · worn /weə/ · /wɔː/ · /wɔːn/ to have clothes on your body She likes to wear red. wear /weə/ to have clothes on your body She likes to wear red. | wore /wɔː/ | worn /wɔːn/ | to have clothes on your body She likes to wear red. | ||
weave · wove · woven /wiːv/ · /wəʊv/ · /ˈwəʊvən/ to make cloth by crossing threads They weave carpets by hand. weave /wiːv/ to make cloth by crossing threads They weave carpets by hand. | wove /wəʊv/ | woven /ˈwəʊvən/ | to make cloth by crossing threads They weave carpets by hand. | ||
weep · wept · wept /wiːp/ · /wept/ · /wept/ to cry She began to weep quietly. weep /wiːp/ to cry She began to weep quietly. | wept /wept/ | wept /wept/ | to cry She began to weep quietly. | ||
win · won · won /wɪn/ · /wʌn/ · /wʌn/ to be first in a game or competition Who do you think will win? win /wɪn/ to be first in a game or competition Who do you think will win? | won /wʌn/ | won /wʌn/ | to be first in a game or competition Who do you think will win? | ||
wind · wound · wound /waɪnd/ · /waʊnd/ · /waʊnd/ to turn something round and round Don't forget to wind the clock. wind /waɪnd/ to turn something round and round Don't forget to wind the clock. | wound /waʊnd/ | wound /waʊnd/ | to turn something round and round Don't forget to wind the clock. | ||
withdraw · withdrew · withdrawn /wɪðˈdrɔː/ · /wɪðˈdruː/ · /wɪðˈdrɔːn/ to take money out of a bank account I need to withdraw some cash. withdraw /wɪðˈdrɔː/ to take money out of a bank account I need to withdraw some cash. | withdrew /wɪðˈdruː/ | withdrawn /wɪðˈdrɔːn/ | to take money out of a bank account I need to withdraw some cash. | ||
withhold · withheld · withheld /wɪðˈhəʊld/ · /wɪðˈheld/ · /wɪðˈheld/ to refuse to give something They decided to withhold the information. withhold /wɪðˈhəʊld/ to refuse to give something They decided to withhold the information. | withheld /wɪðˈheld/ | withheld /wɪðˈheld/ | to refuse to give something They decided to withhold the information. | ||
withstand · withstood · withstood /wɪðˈstænd/ · /wɪðˈstʊd/ · /wɪðˈstʊd/ to not be damaged by something strong The building can withstand strong winds. withstand /wɪðˈstænd/ to not be damaged by something strong The building can withstand strong winds. | withstood /wɪðˈstʊd/ | withstood /wɪðˈstʊd/ | to not be damaged by something strong The building can withstand strong winds. | ||
wring · wrung · wrung /rɪŋ/ · /rʌŋ/ · /rʌŋ/ to twist something wet to get the water out Wring the towel out before you hang it. wring /rɪŋ/ to twist something wet to get the water out Wring the towel out before you hang it. | wrung /rʌŋ/ | wrung /rʌŋ/ | to twist something wet to get the water out Wring the towel out before you hang it. | ||
write · wrote · written /raɪt/ · /rəʊt/ · /ˈrɪtn/ to put words on paper or a screen Write your name here. write /raɪt/ to put words on paper or a screen Write your name here. | wrote /rəʊt/ | written /ˈrɪtn/ | to put words on paper or a screen Write your name here. |
168/168 chosen
How to read it: the three forms of a verb
The first form is the base: the word in the dictionary, used in the present (I go). The second is the Past Simple, for a finished action (I went yesterday). The third, the past participle, comes after have, as in the Present Perfect, and in the passive (I have gone, it was written).
Where a verb has two forms, both are right: was goes with I, he, she and it, were with you, we and they; got is British, and gotten is common in American English.
Regular verbs simply add -ed (work, worked, worked). The verbs here don't, so they are learned as a set of three.
How many irregular verbs to learn
The first 30 in the top list are the verbs of everyday talk: be, have, do, say, go, get, make. Know them by sound before anything else.
The top 100 are enough for work, travel and most conversations. The rest are rarer: formal words (forbid, withhold), crafts (weave, sow) and prefixed forms of verbs you already know (rewrite, overcome).
FAQ
How many irregular verbs are there in English?
Lists differ: some include old and rare verbs and every prefixed form. This one has the 168 in use today, and the top 100 are the ones you'll use most.
What are the second and third forms of a verb?
The second is the Past Simple (went), for a finished action. The third is the past participle (gone), used after have and in the passive.
Which irregular verbs should I learn first?
The most used: be, have, do, say, go, get, make, know, think, take. Choose "Top 30" in the table to see them in order.
What's the fastest way to remember them?
Group them by sound: buy, bought, bought goes with think, thought, thought. The article on groups has every pattern.
Is it learned or learnt?
Both are right. Learnt and burnt are British; learned and burned are common everywhere, so these verbs count as regular and aren't in the table.