Mastering -ed Pronunciation for Regular Verbs in the Past Tense

In English, the -ed ending can be pronounced in three different ways, depending on the sound that precedes it. Understanding how to pronounce it correctly will not only improve your speaking skills but also boost your confidence when using the past tense.

Use /t/ when the base verb ends in a voiceless consonant sound. Voiceless sounds include /p/, /k/, /f/, /s/, /sh/, and /ch/.

• Examples:
  • Look → looked /lʊkt/
  • Hope → hoped /hoʊpt/
  • Wash → washed /wɔːʃt/

Use /d/ when the base verb ends in a voiced consonant sound or a vowel sound. Voiced sounds include /b/, /g/, /v/, /z/, and any vowel sound.

• Examples:
  • Call → called /kɔːld/
  • Play → played /pleɪd/
  • Visit → visited /ˈvɪzɪtɪd/

Use /ɪd/ when the base verb ends with the sounds /t/ or /d/. This pronunciation is often found when the verb has the /t/ or /d/ at the end.

• Examples:
  • Want → wanted /ˈwɒntɪd/
  • Need → needed /ˈniːdɪd/
  • Decide → decided /dɪˈsaɪdɪd/

To hear the correct pronunciation of these endings, head over to Forvo where you can listen to native speakers pronounce various words with the -ed ending. Just type in the verbs you want to hear, and you'll get examples to practice your listening skills!

Now that you know the rules, practice with these verbs by writing them in the past tense and pronouncing them out loud. Try to identify which -ed sound to use:

1. Play
2. Call
3. Want
4. Visit
5. Watch

Pronouncing the -ed ending correctly can make a significant difference in your spoken English. Remember to practice regularly, and don't hesitate to listen to native speakers for reference. If you spend just a few minutes each day focusing on this, you'll master it in no time!