Spelling Rules For Regular Past Tense Verbs

Spelling Rules for Regular Past Tense Verbs 1.

Add –ed to the base form of most verbs start finish wash

2.

Add only –d when the base form ends in an e. live care die

3.

sewed mixed

If the verb has two syllables, and the final syllable is stressed, double the final consonant. ad mit’ oc cur’ per mit’

8.

stopped robbed begged

Do not double final w or x. sew mix

7.

prayed stayed destroyed

If the verb has one syllable and ends in a consonant + vowel + consonant (CVC), double the final consonant and add –ed. stop rob beg

6.

dried carried spied

If the verb ends in a vowel + y, do not change the y. Just add –ed pray stay destroy

5.

lived cared died

If the verb ends in a consonant + y, change the y to i and add –ed dry carry spy

4.

started finished washed

admitted occurred permitted

If the verb has two syllables, and the final syllable is not stressed, do not double the final consonant. hap’ pen lis’ ten o’ pen

happened listened opened