top of page
Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs unlike regular verbs have simple past and past participle forms that must be memorized, this is contrary to regular verbs whose simple past and past participle forms have a universal -ed ending. This makes them harder to use in the simple past tense and in the perfect tenses that require the past participle of a verb. Irregular verbs are the most used verbs in English, this makes memorizing their irregular forms absolutely essential. This page has a mostly complete list of irregular verbs in English, I did not include some words that are irregular in British English or considered archaic (old fashioned).
Note: The definitions are from the Meriam-Webster online dictionary, they are not complete definitions for each verb, I chose the definitions I believe are most used for each verb.
Auxiliary verbs - These are the most important verbs in English, they are be, have, and do.
Essential irregular verbs - These verbs are absolutely essential for all students to learn.
Important irregular verbs - These verbs are used often and are important to know.
Other irregular verbs - These verbs are not used as often and should not be prioritized.
Abide (infinitive) Abode / Abided (simple past, past participle) Abiding (present participle)
Note: Abode is the traditional form of the simple past and past participle, Abided is the modern form
Definition: to bear patiently, tolerate.
Ex: I abided by the rules.
Alight (infinitive) Alit / Alighted (simple past, past participle) Alighting (present participle)
Note: Abode is the traditional form of the simple past and past participle, Abided is the modern form
Definition: to come down from something (such as a vehicle).
Ex: He alighted from the car.
Arise (infinitive) Arose (simple past) Arisen (past participle) Arising (present participle)
Definition: to begin to occur or to exist : to come into being or to attention.
Ex: Many problems arose when the company changed servers.
Awake (infinitive) Awoke (simple past) Awoken (past participle) Awaking (present participle)
Definition: to cease sleeping : to wake up.
Ex: Most people awake before 8am.
Be (infinitive) Was / Were (simple past) Been (past participle) Being (present participle)
Definition: 1) to have an objective existence 2) have reality or actuality, to equal in meaning 3) have the same connotation as 4) to have, maintain, or occupy a place, situation, or position.
Ex: The keys are in the drawer.
Bear (infinitive) Bore (simple past) Borne / Born (past participle) Bearing (present participle)
Definition: to accept or allow oneself to be subjected to especially without giving way.
Ex: Charles had to bear the pain of losing a loved one.
Beat (infinitive) Beat (simple past) Beaten (past participle) Beating (present participle)
Definition: 1) to strike repeatedly. 2) to overcome, defeat.
Ex: The Yankees beat the Red Sox last night.
Become (infinitive) Became (simple past) Become (past participle) Becoming (present participle)
Definition: to undergo change or development.
Ex: The city became more expensive over the years.
Begin (infinitive) Began (simple past) Begun (past participle) Beginning (present participle)
Definition: to do the first part of an action : go into the first part of a process.
Ex: The game will begin at 7.
Behold (infinitive) Beheld (simple past, past participle) Beholding (present participle)
Definition: to perceive through sight or apprehension : see.
Ex: With advancements of AI, people will behold the dawn of a new age
Bend (infinitive) Bent (simple past, past participle) Bending (present participle)
Definition: to turn or force from straight or even to curved or angular.
Ex: Be careful not to bend the tip.
Bet (infinitive) Bet (simple past, past participle) Betting (present participle)
Definition: to stake on the outcome of an issue or the performance of a contestant, gamble.
Ex: I bet on a horse in the third race.
Bid (infinitive) Bid (simple past, past participle) Bidding (present participle)
Definition: to offer (a price) whether for payment or acceptance.
Ex: He bid on a rare coin.
Bid (infinitive) Bade (simple past) Bidden (past participle) Bidding (present participle)
Definition: to issue an order to.
Ex: She bade me to enter.
Bind (infinitive) Bound (simple past, past participle) Binding (present participle)
Definition: to make secure by tying.
Ex: The criminals bound the victim with cable ties.
Bite (infinitive) Bit (simple past) Bitten (past participle) Biting (present participle)
Definition: to seize especially with teeth or jaws so as to enter, grip, or wound.
Ex: A dog bit me in the park.
Bleed (infinitive) Bled (simple past, past participle) Bleeding (present participle)
Definition: to emit or lose blood.
Ex: I bled after I cut myself by accident
Blow (infinitive) Blew (simple past) Blown (past participle) Blowing (present participle)
Definition: 1) of air, to be in motion 2) to send forth a current of air or other gas.
Ex: The wind was blowing hard that day.
Break (infinitive) Broke (simple past) Broken (past participle) Breaking (present participle)
Definition: to separate into parts with suddenness or violence.
Ex: The kids broke the window when they were playing baseball.
Breed (infinitive) Bred (simple past, past participle) Breeding (present participle)
Definition: to produce (offspring) by hatching or gestation.
Ex: I know a farmer who breeds cattle.
Bring (infinitive) Brought (simple past, past participle) Bringing (present participle)
Definition: to convey, lead, carry, or cause to come along with one toward the place from which the action is being regarded.
Ex: Please bring me a glass of water.
Broadcast (infinitive) Broadcast / Broadcasted (simple past, past participle) Bidding (present participle)
Definition: to send out or transmit (something, such as a program) by means of radio or television or by streaming over the Internet.
Ex: They broadcast the waring on the radio.
Build (infinitive) Built (simple past, past participle) Building (present participle)
Definition: to cause to be constructed.
Ex: We built a shed in a yard.
Burn (infinitive) Burnt / Burned (simple past, past participle) Burning (present participle)
Definition: 1) to undergo combustion. 2) to produce or undergo an uncomfortable or painful sensation like that of being injured by fire.
Ex: I burned my hand on the stove by accident.
Burst (infinitive) Burst (simple past, past participle) Bursting (present participle)
Definition: to break open, apart, or into pieces usually from impact or from pressure from within.
Ex: The pipe burst because it was not winterized.
Bust (infinitive) Bust (simple past, past participle) Busting (present participle)
Definition: to break or smash especially with force.
Ex: The police busted the window to get inside
Buy (infinitive) Bought (simple past, past participle) Buying (present participle)
Definition: to acquire possession, ownership, or rights to the use or services of by payment especially of money.
Ex: She bought a new car.
Cast (infinitive) Cast (simple past, past participle) Casting (present participle)
Definition: to cause to move or send forth by throwing.
Ex: The fisherman cast his fishing line.
Catch (infinitive) Caught (simple past, past participle) Catching (present participle)
Definition: 1) to capture or seize especially after pursuit. 2) to discover unexpectedly.
Ex: A hawk caught a mouse in front of me.
Choose (infinitive) Chose (simple past) Chosen (past participle) Choosing (present participle)
Definition: to select freely and after consideration.
Ex: My friend chose to learn how play the piano instead of the drums.
Cling (infinitive) Clung (simple past, past participle) Clinging (present participle)
Definition: to hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously.
Ex: The mountain climber clung to the rock for dear life.
Clothe (infinitive) Clad / Clothed (simple past, past participle) Clothing (present participle)
Definition: to cover with or as if with cloth or clothing : dress.
Ex: It can be hard to clothe a large family.
Come (infinitive) Came (simple past) Come (past participle) Coming (present participle)
Definition: to move or journey to a vicinity with a specified purpose.
Ex: My client came to my office for an appointment.
Cost (infinitive) Cost (simple past, past participle) Costing (present participle)
Definition: to require expenditure or payment.
Ex: The shirts costs 40 dollars.
Creep (infinitive) Crept (simple past, past participle) Creeping (present participle)
Definition: to move along with the body prone and close to the ground.
Ex: The ant crept on the floor looking for food.
Cut (infinitive) Cut (simple past, past participle) Cutting (present participle)
Definition: to penetrate with or as if with an edged instrument.
Ex: I used a bread knife to cut bread into slices.
Deal (infinitive) Dealt (simple past, past participle) Dealing (present participle)
Definition: 1) to concern oneself or itself. 2) to take action with regard to someone or something. 3) to distribute the cards to players.
Ex: I dealt the cards in the first game.
Dig (infinitive) Dug (simple past, past participle) Digging (present participle)
Definition: to break up, turn, or loosen (earth) with an implement.
Ex: I dug a hole in my garden to plant some flowers.
Dive (infinitive) Dived / Dove (simple past, past participle) Diving (present participle)
Definition: 1) to plunge into water intentionally and especially headfirst 2) submerge.
Ex: He dove from a cliff.
Do (infinitive) Did (simple past) Done (past participle) Doing (present participle)
Definition: to move or journey to a vicinity with a specified purpose.
Ex: My client came to my office for an appointment.
Draw (infinitive) Drew (simple past) Drawn (past participle) Drawing (present participle)
Definition: to produce a likeness or representation of by making lines on a surface.
Ex: She draws birds beautifully.
Dream (infinitive) Dreamed / Dreamt (simple past, past participle) Dreaming (present participle)
Definition: to have a series of thoughts, images, or emotions while sleeping : to have a dream.
Ex: I dreamt I was rich and famous.
Drink (infinitive) Drank (simple past) Drunk (past participle) Drinking (present participle)
Definition: swallow, imbibe.
Ex: We drank champagne to celebrate.
Drive (infinitive) Drove (simple past) Driven (past participle) Driving (present participle)
Definition: to operate the mechanism and controls and direct the course of (a vehicle).
Ex: I drove to Philadelphia.
Dwell (infinitive) Dwelled / Dwelt (simple past, past participle) Dwelling (present participle)
Definition: to remain for a time.
Ex: The dog dwelt under the shade of the tree.
Eat (infinitive) Ate (simple past) Eaten (past participle) Eating (present participle)
Definition: to take in through the mouth as food : ingest, chew, and swallow in turn.
Ex: We ate steaks at the BBQ.
Fall (infinitive) Fell (simple past) Fallen (past participle) Falling (present participle)
Definition: to descend freely by the force of gravity.
Ex: He fell and hurt his knee.
Feed (infinitive) Fed (simple past, past participle) Feeding (present participle)
Definition: to give food to, to give as food.
Ex: Kathrine fed the cat before she went to work.
Fight (infinitive) Fought (simple past, past participle) Fighting (present participle)
Definition: to contend in battle or physical combat especially : to strive to overcome a person by blows or weapons.
Ex: Roberto Duran fought Marvin Haggler in the 80's.
Find (infinitive) Found (simple past, past participle) Finding (present participle)
Definition: to come upon by searching or effort.
Ex: Mike found his phone in his car.
Fit (infinitive) Fitted / Fit (simple past, past participle) Fitting (present participle)
Definition: to conform correctly to the shape or size of.
Ex: The shirt fits her well.
Flee (infinitive) Fled (simple past, past participle) Fleeing (present participle)
Definition: to run away often from danger or evil.
Ex: People fled their homes during the wildfire.
Fling (infinitive) Flung (simple past, past participle) Flinging (present participle)
Definition: to throw forcefully, impetuously, or casually.
Ex: George flung the frisbee at his girlfriend.
Fly (infinitive) Flew (simple past) Flown (past participle) Flying (present participle)
Definition: 1) to move in or pass through the air with wings 2) to operate or travel in an airplane or spacecraft.
Ex: I have never flown a plane.
Forbid (infinitive) Forbade (simple past) Forbidden (past participle) Forbidding (present participle)
Definition: to condemn or forbid as harmful or unlawful, from or as if from the position of one in authority : command against.
Ex: The government forbids people to riot.
Forecast (infinitive) Forecast / Forecasted (simple past, past participle) Forecasting (present participle)
Definition: to calculate or predict (some future event or condition) usually as a result of study and analysis of available pertinent data.
Ex: The economist forecasted a long period of prosperity.
Foresee (infinitive) Foresaw (simple past) Foreseen (past participle) Foreseeing (present participle)
Definition: to see (something, such as a development) beforehand.
Ex: John foresaw the economic boom.
Foretell (infinitive) Foretold (simple past, past participle) Foretelling (present participle)
Definition: to tell beforehand : predict.
Ex: The prophecy foretold what would happen accurately.
Forget (infinitive) Forgot (simple past) Forgotten (past participle) Forgetting (present participle)
Definition: to lose the remembrance of : be unable to think of or recall.
Ex: I forgot what day the appointment was.
Forgive (infinitive) Forgave (simple past) Forgiven (past participle) Forgiving (present participle)
Definition: to cease to feel resentment against (an offender) : pardon.
Ex: People should forgive each other.
Forsake (infinitive) Forsook (simple past) Forsaken (past participle) Forsaking (present participle)
Definition: to renounce or turn away from entirely.
Ex: Kevin forsook his old way of life.
Freeze (infinitive) Froze (simple past) Frozen (past participle) Freezing (present participle)
Definition: to become chilled with cold.
Ex: People freeze meat to preserve it.
Get (infinitive) Got (simple past) Got / Gotten (past participle) Getting (present participle)
Definition: to gain possession of, (this verb has many uses).
Ex: He got a PlayStation for Christmas.
Give (infinitive) Gave (simple past) Given (past participle) Giving (present participle)
Definition: to put into the possession of another for his or her use.
Ex: Mark gave me a gift.
Go (infinitive) Went (simple past) Gone (past participle) Going (present participle)
Definition: to travel to a place, to move on a course.
Ex: She went to an art museum on her trip.
Grind (infinitive) Ground (simple past, past participle) Grinding (present participle)
Definition: to reduce to powder or small fragments by friction (as in a mill or with the teeth).
Ex: The machine grinds glass into sand.
Grow (infinitive) Grew (simple past) Grown (past participle) Growing (present participle)
Definition: to spring up and develop to maturity.
Ex: Plants grow when they have water and sunlight.
Handwrite (infinitive) Handwrote (simple past) Handwritten (past participle) Handwriting (present participle)
Definition: to write by hand.
Ex: Someone handwrote the note and left it on my desk.
Hang (infinitive) Hanged / Hung (simple past, past participle) Hanging (present participle)
Note: Hanged should be used when referring to executions, hung is the standard simple past and past participle form.
Definition: : to fasten to some elevated point without support from below, suspend.
Ex: My friend hung a painting on his wall
Have (infinitive) Had (simple past, past participle) Having (present participle)
Definition: to hold or maintain as a possession, privilege, or entitlement.
Ex: I have a large family.
Hear (infinitive) Heard (simple past, past participle) Hearing (present participle)
Definition: 1) to perceive or become aware of by the ear. 2) to gain knowledge of by hearing.
Ex: We heard a loud sound coming from outside
Hide (infinitive) Hid (simple past) Hidden (past participle) Hiding (present participle)
Definition: to put out of sight : secret.
Ex: They hid the letter in a book.
Hit (infinitive) Hit (simple past, past participle) Hitting (present participle)
Definition: to reach with or as if with a sudden blow.
Ex: The boxer hit his opponent with a jab.
Hold (infinitive) Held (simple past, past participle) Holding (present participle)
Definition: to have or maintain in the grasp.
Ex: I held a baby in my arms.
Hurt (infinitive) Hurt (simple past, past participle) Hurting (present participle)
Definition: 1) to inflict with physical pain : wound, 2) to cause emotional pain or anguish to
Ex: James hurt his back at work.
Inlay (infinitive) Inlaid (simple past, past participle) Inlaying (present participle)
Definition: to set into a surface or ground material.
Ex: The jeweler inlaid gold into the silver ring.
Input (infinitive) Input / Inputted (simple past, past participle) Inputting (present participle)
Definition: 1) information fed into a data processing system or computer. 2) the act or process of putting in.
Ex: She input the statistics into the application.
Interlay (infinitive) Interlaid (simple past, past participle) Interlaying (present participle)
Definition: to lay between or among; interpose.
Ex: The granite installer interlaid the countertop with white granite to form a pattern.
Keep (infinitive) Kept (simple past, past participle) Keeping (present participle)
Definition: 1) to retain in one's possession or power 2) preserve, maintain: such as
Ex: He kept a set of spare keys in his desk.
Kneel (infinitive) Knelt / Kneeled (simple past, past participle) Kneeling (present participle)
Definition: to position the body so that one or both knees rest on the floor.
Ex: People are expected to kneel before the king.
Knit (infinitive) Knit/ Knitted (simple past, past participle) Knitting (present participle)
Definition: to form by interlacing yarn or thread in a series of connected loops with needles.
Ex: My grandmother knit a sweater for my son.
Know (infinitive) Knew (simple past) Known (past participle) Knowing (present participle)
Definition: 1) to have a practical understanding of. 2) to be acquainted or familiar with.
Ex: George knows how to fix cars.
Lay (infinitive) Laid (simple past, past participle) Laying (present participle)
Definition: to put or set down.
Ex: He lay the keys on the table.
Lead (infinitive) Led (simple past, past participle) Leading (present participle)
Definition: 1) to direct the operations, activity, or performance of 2) to guide on a way especially by going in advance
Ex: I led them to the room.
Lean (infinitive) Leant / Leaned (simple past, past participle) Leaning (present participle)
Note: Leant is used more in British English.
Definition: to incline, deviate, or bend from a vertical position.
Ex: He leaned against the stanchion.
Leap (infinitive) Leapt / Leaped (simple past, past participle) Leaping (present participle)
Definition: to spring free from or as if from the ground : jump.
Ex: The insect leapt to reach a leaf.
Leave (infinitive) Left (simple past, past participle) Leaving (present participle)
Definition: to go away from : depart
Ex: She will leave in 10 minutes.
Lend (infinitive) Lent (simple past, past participle) Lending (present participle)
Definition: to give for temporary use on condition that the same or its equivalent be returned
Ex: Mark lent me a pen.
Let (infinitive) Let (simple past, past participle) Letting (present participle)
Definition: 1) to give opportunity to or fail to prevent 2) used in the imperative to introduce a request or proposal
Ex: I let him play outside.
Lie (infinitive) Lay (simple past) Lain (past participle) Lying (present participle)
Definition: to be or to stay at rest in a horizontal position : be.
Ex: The dog lay on the floor.
Light (infinitive) Lit (simple past, past participle) Lighting (present participle)
Definition: 1) to become light : brighten. 2) to set fire to.
Ex: They used a torch to light their path.
Lose (infinitive) Lost (simple past, past participle) Losing (present participle)
Definition: to miss from one's possession or from a customary or supposed place.
Ex: I lost my phone.
Make (infinitive) Made (simple past, past participle) Making (present participle)
Definition: to bring into being by forming, shaping, or altering material.
Ex: We made a deal on the house.
Mean (infinitive) Meant (simple past, past participle) Meaning (present participle)
Definition: to serve or intend to convey, show, or indicate : signify.
Ex: He meant to apologize.
Meet (infinitive) Met (simple past, past participle) Meeting (present participle)
Definition: 1) to come into the presence of for the first time : to be introduced to or become acquainted with. 2) to come together with especially at a particular time or place.
Ex: We will meet later at the office.
Mislead (infinitive) Misled (simple past, past participle) Misleading (present participle)
Definition: to lead in a wrong direction or into a mistaken action or belief often by deliberate deceit.
Ex: The scene was meant to mislead the audience.
Mistake (infinitive) Mistook (simple past) Mistaken (past participle) Mistaking (present participle)
Definition: to identify wrongly : confuse with another.
Ex: I mistook him for someone else.
Misunderstand (infinitive) Misunderstood (simple past, past participle) Misunderstanding (present participle)
Definition: to fail to understand.
Ex: They misunderstood what I said.
Mow (infinitive) Mowed / Mown (simple past, past participle) Mowing (present participle)
Note: Mown is more formal and generally not used except in formal writing.
Definition: to cut down with a scythe or sickle or machine.
Ex: He was mowing the lawn when it happened.
Overhear (infinitive) Overheard (simple past, past participle) Overhearing (present participle)
Definition: to hear without the speaker's knowledge or intention.
Ex: John overheard them talking about private matters.
Overtake (infinitive) Overtook (simple past) Overtaken (past participle) Overtaking (present participle)
Definition: to catch up with and pass by.
Ex: The accident happened when one car overtook the other.
Pay (infinitive) Paid (simple past, past participle) Paying (present participle)
Definition: to give in return for goods or service, most often with money.
Ex: He paid $5,000 for his car.
Preset (infinitive) Preset (simple past, past participle) Presetting (present participle)
Definition: to set in advance.
Ex: The workers preset the default settings on the device.
Prove (infinitive) Proved (simple past) Proved / Proven (past participle) Proving (present participle)
Note: Proven as a past participle is more often used as an adjective.
Definition: to establish the existence, truth, or validity of (as by evidence or logic).
Ex: The prosecutor proved the suspect was guilty
Put (infinitive) Put (simple past, past participle) Putting (present participle)
Definition: to place in a specified position or relationship : lay.
Ex: I put my wallet in my jacket pocket .
Quit (infinitive) Quit (simple past, past participle) Quitting (present participle)
Definition: 1) to yield control or possession of 2) to desist from
Ex: My friend quit smoking
Read (infinitive) Read (simple past, past participle) Reading (present participle)
Note: The simple past form and past participle are pronounced "red".
Definition: to receive or take in the sense of (letters, symbols, etc.) especially by sight or touch.
Ex: Last night my wife read a book.
Rid (infinitive) Rid / Ridded (simple past, past participle) Ridding (present participle)
Note: Rid is the more common simple past and past participle form.
Definition: to make free : relieve, disencumber.
Ex: I rid my inbox of junk mail.
Ride (infinitive) Rode (simple past) Ridden (past participle) Riding (present participle)
Definition: 1) to travel on 2) to sit and travel on the back of an animal that one directs.
Ex: I ride motorcycles all the time.
Ring (infinitive) Rang (simple past) Rung (past participle) Ringing (present participle)
Definition: to sound resonantly or sonorously.
Ex: The phone was ringing.
Rise (infinitive) Rose (simple past) Risen (past participle) Rising (present participle)
Definition: to assume an upright position especially from lying, kneeling, or sitting.
Ex: She rose after she fell.
Rive (infinitive) Rived (simple past) Riven / Rived (past participle) Riving (present participle)
Definition: to wrench open or tear apart or to pieces : rend.
Ex: The issue rived the political party.
Run (infinitive) Ran(simple past) Run (past participle) Running (present participle)
Definition: to go faster than a walk.
Ex: John ran home when it started to rain.
Saw (infinitive) Sawed (simple past) Sawed / Sawn (past participle) Sawing (present participle)
Note: Sawn is used more in British English.
Definition: to cut with a saw.
Ex: The construction worker sawed a board in half
Say (infinitive) Said (simple past, past participle) Saying (present participle)
Definition: to express in words : state.
Ex: She said she would go tonight.
See (infinitive) Saw (simple past) Seen (past participle) Seeing (present participle)
Definition: to perceive by the eye.
Ex: Kate didn't see what happened.
Seek (infinitive) Sought (simple past, past participle) Seeking (present participle)
Definition: to go in search of : look for.
Ex: They sought a solution for their problem.
Sell (infinitive) Sold (simple past, past participle) Selling (present participle)
Definition: to give up (property) to another for something of value (such as money).
Ex: The family sold their house and moved to a new state.
Send (infinitive) Sent (simple past, past participle) Sending (present participle)
Definition: to cause to go: deliver.
Ex: John sent me a message.
Set (infinitive) Set (simple past, past participle) Setting (present participle)
Definition: 1) to place with care or deliberate purpose and with relative stability. 2) to adjust (a device and especially a measuring device) to a desired position.
Ex: The jeweler set the diamond in the ring.
Sew (infinitive) Sewed (simple past) Sewn (past participle) Sewing (present participle)
Definition: to unite or fasten by stitches.
Ex: Tailors know how to sew clothing.
Shake (infinitive) Shook (simple past) Shaken (past participle) Shaking (present participle)
Definition: to move irregularly to and fro.
Ex: I shake my juice before pouring it in a glass.
Shave (infinitive) Shaved (simple past) Shaved / Shaven (past participle) Shaving (present participle)
Note: Shaved is used more often than shaven.
Definition: 1) to remove a thin layer from 2) to cut off (hair or beard) close to the skin.
Ex: I didn't shave this morning.
Shear (infinitive) Sheared (simple past) Sheared / Shorn (past participle) Shearing (present participle)
Note: Sheared is used more often than Shorn.
Definition: to cut or clip (hair, wool, etc.) from someone or something (especially with animals).
Ex: The farmer sheared a sheep.
Shed (infinitive) Shed (simple past, past participle) Shedding (present participle)
Definition: to cast off some natural covering (such as fur or skin).
Ex: My dog was shedding, his fur was everywhere.
Shine (infinitive) Shone (simple past, past participle) Shinning (present participle)
Definition: to emit rays of light.
Ex: A light shined in my window.
Shoe (infinitive) Shod (simple past, past participle) Shoeing (present participle)
Definition: to furnish with a shoe.
Ex: Farriers shoe horses.
Shoot (infinitive) Shot (simple past, past participle) Shooting (present participle)
Definition: to eject or impel or cause to be ejected or impelled by a sudden release of tension (as of a bowstring or slingshot or by a flick of a finger).
Ex: He shot an arrow at the target.
Show (infinitive) Showed (simple past) Shown (past participle) Showing (present participle)
Definition: 1) to cause or permit to be seen : exhibit. 2) to reveal by one's condition, nature, or behavior.
Ex: Show me the item please.
Shrink (infinitive) Shrank (simple past) Shrunk (past participle) Shrinking (present participle)
Definition: to become smaller or more compacted.
Ex: Dryers can shrink clothing, especially clothes made of natural fibers.
Shut (infinitive) Shut (simple past, past participle) Shutting (present participle)
Definition: to close by bringing enclosing or covering parts together.
Ex: She shut the window because it started to rain.
Sing (infinitive) Sang (simple past) Sung (past participle) Singing (present participle)
Definition: to produce musical tones by means of the voice.
Ex: He can sing very well.
Sink (infinitive) Sank (simple past) Sunk (past participle) Sinking (present participle)
Definition: to go to the bottom : submerge.
Ex: The boat sank in the lake.
Sit (infinitive) Sat (simple past, past participle) Sitting (present participle)
Definition: to rest on the buttocks or haunches
Ex: She was sitting in a chair when I walked into the room.
Slay (infinitive) Slew (simple past) Slain (past participle) Slaying (present participle)
Definition: to kill violently, wantonly, or in great numbers.
Ex: In many old legends, heroes slay dragons.
Sleep (infinitive) Slept (simple past, past participle) Sleeping (present participle)
Definition: to rest in a state of sleep.
Ex: I slept well last night.
Slide (infinitive) Slid (simple past, past participle) Sliding (present participle)
Definition: to move smoothly along a surface : slip.
Ex: He slid the box across the room.
Sling (infinitive) Slung (simple past, past participle) Slinging (present participle)
Definition: to cast with a sudden and usually sweeping or swirling motion.
Ex: The girl slung her backpack over her shoulder.
Slink (infinitive) Slunk (simple past, past participle) Slinking (present participle)
Definition: to go or move stealthily or furtively (as in fear or shame).
Ex: The tiger slunk through the vegetation.
Slit (infinitive) Slit (simple past, past participle) Slitting (present participle)
Definition: to make a slit (long narrow cut) in.
Ex: The farmer slit the pig's throat.
Sneak (infinitive) Snuck / Sneaked (simple past, past participle) Sneaking (present participle)
Note: Snuck is used more in American English.
Definition: to go stealthily or furtively : slink.
Ex: We snuck into the building.
Sow (infinitive) Sowed (simple past) Sown (past participle) Sowing (present participle)
Definition: to plant seed for growth especially by scattering.
Ex: Margret sowed seeds in her garden.
Speak (infinitive) Spoke (simple past) Spoken (past participle) Speaking (present participle)
Definition: to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice : talk.
Ex: She spoke to him about the project.
Speed (infinitive) Sped / Speeded (simple past, past participle) Speeding (present participle)
Note: Sped is used more often.
Definition: 1) to make haste. 2) to go or drive at excessive or illegal speed.
Ex: I was speeding and the police pulled me over.
Spend (infinitive) Spent (simple past, past participle) Spending (present participle)
Definition: 1) to use up or pay out : expend. 2) to cause or permit to elapse : pass.
Ex: Mark spent time with his family over the weekend.
Spill (infinitive) Spilt / Spilled (simple past, past participle) Spilling (present participle)
Note: Spilled is used more in American English.
Definition: to cause or allow especially accidentally or unintentionally to fall, flow, or run out so as to be lost or wasted.
Ex: George spilled juice on the table.
Spin (infinitive) Spun (simple past, past participle) Spinning (present participle)
Definition: 1) to revolve rapidly : gyrate. 2) to produce by drawing out and twisting a fibrous material.
Ex: She spun the wheel and it landed on a prize.
Split (infinitive) Split (simple past, past participle) Splitting (present participle)
Definition: 1) to divide lengthwise usually along a grain or seam or by layers 2) to divide into parts or portions.
Ex: We split the money equally.
Spit (infinitive) Spit / Spat (simple past, past participle) Spitting (present participle)
Definition: to eject (something) from the mouth : expectorate.
Ex: Mark spat on the floor.
Spread (infinitive) Spread (simple past, past participle) Spreading (present participle)
Definition: to distribute over an area.
Ex: We spread our towels on the sand.
Spring (infinitive) Sprang (simple past) Sprung (past participle) Springing (present participle)
Definition: to issue with speed and force or as a stream.
Ex: The insect sprang off the leaf.
Stand (infinitive) Stood (simple past, past participle) Standing (present participle)
Definition: to support oneself on the feet in an erect position.
Ex: He stood on chair to get a better view.
Steal (infinitive) Stole (simple past) Stolen (past participle) Stealing (present participle)
Definition: to take the property of another wrongfully and especially as a habitual or regular practice.
Ex: The thief stole a watch from the store.
Stick (infinitive) Stuck (simple past, past participle) Sticking (present participle)
Definition: 1) to attach by or as if by causing to adhere to a surface. 2) to pierce with something pointed : stab.
Ex: Kate stuck a note to the board with a tack.
Sting (infinitive) Stung (simple past, past participle) Stinging (present participle)
Definition: to prick painfully.
Ex: The bee stung me in the arm.
Stink (infinitive) Stank (simple past) Stunk (past participle) Stinking (present participle)
Definition: to emit a strong offensive odor.
Ex: The sewers stank and made me nauseous.
Stride (infinitive) Strode / Strided (simple past) Stridden (past participle) Striding (present participle)
Note: Strode is used more often.
Definition: to move with or as if with long steps.
Ex: The horse strode across the field.
Strike (infinitive) Struck (simple past) Struck / Stricken (past participle) Striking (present participle)
Note: Struck is used more often, Stricken is used often with diseases.
Definition: to aim and usually deliver a blow, stroke, or thrust (as with the hand, a weapon, or a tool).
Ex: The worker struck the nail with a hammer.
String (infinitive) Strung (simple past, past participle) Stringing (present participle)
Definition: to equip with strings.
Ex: The luthier strung a guitar he had made.
Strive (infinitive) Strove (simple past) Striven (past participle) Striving (present participle)
Definition: to devote serious effort or energy : endeavor.
Ex: She strove to improve her life.
Sublet (infinitive) Sublet (simple past, past participle) Subletting (present participle)
Definition: to lease or rent all or part of a leased or rented property.
Ex: Landlords generally don't like it when tenants sublet their properties.
Swear (infinitive) Swore (simple past) Sworn (past participle) Swearing (present participle)
Definition: 1) to utter or take solemnly (an oath). 2) to use profane or obscene language : curse.
Ex: Mike swore to do his best.
Sweat (infinitive) Sweat / Sweated (simple past, past participle) Sweating (present participle)
Definition: to excrete moisture in visible quantities through the openings of the sweat glands : perspire.
Ex: I normally sweat a lot when I run.
Sweep (infinitive) Swept (simple past, past participle) Sweeping (present participle)
Definition: to remove from a surface with or as if with a broom or brush.
Ex: Martha swept the kitchen floor.
Swell (infinitive) Swelled (simple past) Swollen (past participle) Swelling (present participle)
Definition: to expand (as in size, volume, or numbers) gradually beyond a normal or original limit.
Ex: My finger swelled after I injured it.
Swim (infinitive) Swam (simple past) Swum (past participle) Swimming (present participle)
Definition: to propel oneself in water by natural means (such as movements of the limbs, fins, or tail).
Ex: They swim 1500 meters every morning.
Swing (infinitive) Swung (simple past, past participle) Swinging (present participle)
Definition: to cause to move vigorously through a wide arc or circle.
Ex: The baseball player swung the bat and hit a homerun.
Take (infinitive) Took (simple past) Taken (past participle) Taking (present participle)
Note: The verb take has many different uses.
Definition: 1) to get into one's hands or into one's possession, power, or control. 2) to lead, carry, or cause to go along to another place.
Ex: My brother took me to the airport.
Teach (infinitive) Taught (simple past, past participle) Teaching (present participle)
Definition: to instruct by precept, example, knowledge, or experience.
Ex: She taught her son how to read.
Tear (infinitive) Tore (simple past) Torn (past participle) Tearing (present participle)
Definition: to separate parts of or pull apart by force : rend.
Ex: He tore a muscle when he was lifting weights.
Tell (infinitive) Told (simple past, past participle) Telling (present participle)
Note: The verb take has many different uses.
Definition: 1) to relate in detail : narrate. 2) order, direct.
Ex: He told them where the room was.
Think (infinitive) Thought (simple past, past participle) Thinking (present participle)
Note: The verb take has many different uses.
Definition: to form or have in the mind.
Ex: I thought about my options.
Throw (infinitive) Threw (simple past) Thrown (past participle) Throwing (present participle)
Definition: to propel through the air by a forward motion of the hand and arm.
Ex: The baseball player threw the ball to his teammate.
Thrust (infinitive) Thrust (simple past, past participle) Thrusting (present participle)
Definition: to push or drive with force : shove.
Ex: The fencer thrust his sword at his opponent.
Tread (infinitive) Trod (simple past) Trodden (past participle) Treading (present participle)
Definition: 1) to step or walk on or over. 2) to move or proceed on or as if on foot.
Ex: The soldiers trod on the garden carelessly.
Undergo (infinitive) Underwent (simple past) Undergone (past participle) Undergoing (present participle)
Definition: to go through : experience.
Ex: The underwent surgery to correct his vision.
Understand (infinitive) Understood (simple past, past participle) Understanding (present participle)
Definition: to grasp the meaning of.
Ex: My student understood the material.
Undertake (infinitive) Undertook (simple past) Undertaken (past participle) Undertaking (present participle)
Definition: to take upon oneself : set about : attempt.
Ex: John undertook the challenge to lose weight.
Upset (infinitive) Upset (simple past, past participle) Upsetting (present participle)
Definition: to trouble mentally or emotionally : disturb the poise of.
Ex: The news upset me.
Wake (infinitive) Woke (simple past) Woken (past participle) Waking (present participle)
Definition: to rouse from or as if from sleep : awake, wake up.
Ex: The noise woke them from their sleep.
Wear (infinitive) Wore (simple past) Worn (past participle) Wearing (present participle)
Definition: to bear or have on the person.
Ex: She wore a blue dress and white shoes.
Weave (infinitive) Wove (simple past) Woven (past participle) Weaving (present participle)
Definition: to form (cloth) by interlacing strands (as of yarn).
Ex: It takes skill to weave fabrics into textiles.
Wed (infinitive) Wed / Wedded (simple past, past participle) Wedding (present participle)
Note: Wed is the more common simple past and past participle form, Wedded is used more as an adjective.
Definition: to take for wife or husband by a formal ceremony : marry.
Ex: John wed Laura 5 years ago.
Weep (infinitive) Wept (simple past, past participle) Weeping (present participle)
Definition: to express deep sorrow for usually by shedding tears.
Ex: George wept when his mother died.
Wet (infinitive) Wet/ Wetted (simple past, past participle) Wetting (present participle)
Note: Wet is the more common simple past and past participle form for unintentional actions, Wetted is used more when the action was deliberate.
Definition: to make wet.
Ex: Our son wets his bed sometimes.
Win (infinitive) Won (simple past, past participle) Winning (present participle)
Definition: to gain the victory in a contest : succeed.
Ex: The Yankees won last night.
Wind (infinitive) Wound (simple past, past participle) Winding (present participle)
Definition: to move in or take a twisting or spiral course.
Ex: I wound my watch this morning.
Withdraw (infinitive) Withdrew (simple past) Withdrawn (past participle) Withdrawing (present participle)
Definition: to take back or away : remove.
Ex: They withdrew from the negotiations.
Withhold (infinitive) Withheld (simple past, past participle) Withholding (present participle)
Definition: to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing.
Ex: The government withheld his pay because he owed taxes.
Withstand (infinitive) Withstood (simple past, past participle) Withstanding (present participle)
Definition: to stand up against : oppose with firm determination.
Ex: The house withstood the hurricane.
Wring (infinitive) Wrung (simple past, past participle) Wringing (present participle)
Definition: to squeeze or twist especially so as to make dry or to extract moisture or liquid.
Ex: She wrung the shirt after it got wet.
Write (infinitive) Wrote (simple past) Wrtitten (past participle) Writing (present participle)
Definition: to form (words) by inscribing characters or symbols on a surface.
Ex: I want to write a novel.
bottom of page