All too often, we misuse forms of verbs. This common mistake can easily be fixed with a little studying and practice. This handout will explain the differences between regular and irregular verbs and will give examples of verbs that are commonly misused. Consult the dictionary or internet for further examples.

Regular Verbs – When the past tense and past participle are identical and are formed by adding ed:

Examples of regular verbs:

Irregular Verbs – When the past tense and the past participle are formed by individualistic changes, frequently a vowel change within a word: Grow, Grew, Grown; Begin, Began, Begun.

Examples of “tricky” irregular verbs:

More “Tricky” Verbs:

LIE & LAY

TO LIE means “to rest in a flat position” or “to be in place”
TO LAY means “to put something down or to place something”

Examples of LIE:

PRESENT: Lie down for a while.
PAST: The cat lay in the shade.
PARTICPLE: After he had lain down, he felt better.

Example of LAY:

PRESENT: Lay the book on the table.
PAST: He laid the book on the table.
PARTICIPLE: Having laid the book on the table, he walked out.

RISE & RAISE

TO RISE means “to go up or get up”
TO RAISE means “to make something rise or lift something”

Examples of RISE:

PRESENT: I rise at daybreak.
PAST: I rose at daybreak.
PARTICIPLE: I have risen at daybreak.

Examples of Raise:

PRESENT: I raise flowers.
PAST: I raised flowers.
PARTICILPE: I have raised flowers.

SIT & SET

TO SIT means “to take a sitting position”
TO SET means “to place something”

Examples of SIT:

PRESENT: Sit down and be quiet.
PAST: The little girl sat in the corner.
PARTICIPLE: Having sat in the corner for an hour, she was allowed to leave.

Examples of SET:

PRESENT: Set the basket on the table.
PAST: Yesterday he set the basket on the table.
PARTICIPLE: Having set the basket on the table, he left.

Compiled by
UMD Writing and Reading Center Tutor, 2003