The past simple of irregular verbs: How and When to Use in English

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The past simple of irregular verbs

Reminder: the past simple describes completed past events. For regular verbs, add -ed to the infinitive (without to).

to start → I started a guitar course last month.

Some verbs are irregular and have an unusual form in the past simple. We use the same form for all subjects. Some common irregular verbs are:


InfinitivePast Simple
to comecame
to dodid
to givegave
to getgot


InfinitivePast Simple
to gowent
to makemade
to saysaid
to taketook

I went to New York last summer.

They took the train to Kent.

She gave me a beautiful present.

Notes:

  • The verbs to be and to have are also irregular. We will focus on them in separate lessons.

I was in Dover last month.

We had a great time in Newcastle.

  • There are over 200 irregular verbs in English, but don't worry! Focus on the most common ones now, and you'll learn more later.

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