So? What Does “Ar” in Past Tense Mean in English?
Understanding the nuances of the English language can be quite an endeavor, especially when it comes to the intricacies of verb conjugation. One such element that often confuses learners is the use of “ar” in the past tense. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and usage of “ar” in the past tense, providing you with a comprehensive guide to this linguistic feature.
What is “Ar” in Past Tense?
“Ar” is a common ending for verbs in the past tense in English. It is used to form the simple past tense of regular verbs. For instance, the verb “to walk” becomes “walked” when referring to an action that has already been completed. This ending is added to the base form of the verb, which is why it is referred to as a regular verb.
How to Form the Past Tense with “Ar”?
Forming the past tense with “ar” is relatively straightforward. You simply add “ed” to the base form of the verb. Here’s a table to illustrate this process:
Base Form | Past Tense |
---|---|
run | ran |
eat | ate |
play | played |
sleep | slept |
As you can see from the table, the past tense is formed by adding “ed” to the base form of the verb. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, which we will discuss later in the article.
Common Exceptions to the “Ar” Rule
While the “ar” ending is a reliable indicator of the past tense, there are some exceptions to this rule. These exceptions include verbs that end in “e,” verbs that follow a “consonant + y” pattern, and irregular verbs. Let’s take a closer look at each of these exceptions:
Verbs Ending in “e”
Verbs that end in “e” typically add “d” to form the past tense. For example:
Base Form | Past Tense |
---|---|
have | had |
make | made |
see | saw |
use | used |
Verbs Following a “Consonant + Y” Pattern
Verbs that follow a “consonant + y” pattern typically change the “y” to “i” before adding “ed” to form the past tense. For example:
Base Form | Past Tense |
---|---|
try | tried |
carry | carried |
study | studied |
fly | fl yed |
Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs do not follow the standard “ar” rule and have unique past tense forms. Some common irregular verbs include:
Base Form | Past Tense |
---|---|
go |
|