Past Simple ED Verb Pronunciation

Unlock the secrets to pronouncing Past Simple -ed endings like a native speaker with our latest lesson! 🗣️ Mastering the correct pronunciation of past tense verbs is a key element in sounding fluent in English. In this lesson, we’ll guide you through the nuances of Past Simple -ed pronunciation, breaking down the rules and offering tips to help you sound just like a native. 🎙️ The -ed endings of regular past tense verbs are pronounced in 3 different ways /d/ /t/ or /id/ – learn how to pronounce them! Happy learning! 🌐📚

Pronunciation

Practice how to pronounce ed verbs.

Transcript

Watch Our Video!

Title: ED Pronunciation Made Easy

Introduction:

• Host: Hello and welcome to the English Magnet. Today’s video: Ed Pronunciation Made Easy! Have you ever wondered why verbs like talked, played, and needed all have that ‘ed’ at the end but sound different? We’re going to clarify all this right now. Alright, let’s jump right into it!

Part 1: What are Inflectional Endings 

• Host: First the basics. The “ed” part found at the end of verbs is called an inflectional ending. (inflectional endings are a kind of suffix) It shows the verb tense and other grammatical information. In English, one of the most common inflectional endings is “ed” used for past tense verbs. However, there’s a twist!

Part 2: We need to talk about voiced and voiceless sounds. As you make a sound, feel the vibration of your vocal cords in your throat; if it vibrates you’ve got a voiced sound. If it doesn’t, yeap it’s a voiceless sound. The way we pronounce “ed” depends on how the ending of the verb sounds. Let’s see!

Part 3: 3 Distinct Pronunciations 

The “ed” ending can be pronounced in three different ways: /t/, /d/, and /id/. Let’s break it down. 

Case 1: When a verb ends with voiceless sounds you pronounce “ed” /t/. A voiceless sound is a sound which doesn’t use your vocal cords. So, look for verbs that end in f, k, p, s, x, ch, sh & th. (x sound is just a /ks/ cluster) You get verbs such as bluffed, walked, skipped, tossed, fixed, watched, brushed & unearthed. 

Case 2: On the other hand, if a verb ends with a voiced sound like b, g, l, m, n, r, v & z you pronounce “ed” /d/. Please note that a vowel also makes a voiced sound, so it follows the same pronunciation. You get verbs such as dabbed, bugged, called, screamed, gained, answered, revved, buzzed, played, agreed, taxied, flowed & cued . 

Case 3: Last but not least, when a verb ends with d or t sounds, you pronounce the ending /id/. This adds a syllable to the word, check it out: need – needed & disorient – disoriented. Basically, this third case covers the endings that match the sounds of the first two cases as /tt/ and /dd/ might just sound silly. 

Part 4: Special Cases

• Host: Don’t apply this rule to irregular verbs like led, fled & bled. They have their own thing going on. 

Part 5: Recap

In short, if the verb ends with a voiceless sound, “ed” sounds like /t/. 

If the verb ends with a voiced sound or vowel sound, “ed” sounds like /d/. 

Just remember that verbs ending in d or t make “ed” sound like /id/.  

Wrap up

• Host: So, there you have it! The ‘ed’ ending in English verbs indicates past tense, and its pronunciation depends on the final sound of the base verb.  If you’re in the mood, be sure to watch more of our videos! Hopefully, this has been helpful. Click on the link to access some free pronunciation activities directly related to this topic. Keep practicing, and you’ll get the hang of it. Thank you for watching. Until next time!