Why Are Irregular Verbs So Important?
Irregular verbs are at the core of English grammar. They are used daily to form past tenses and past participles — without them, it’s impossible to express yourself correctly.
Some essential examples include:
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go / went / gone → to go
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be / was / were / been → to be
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have / had / had → to have
✅ In short: knowing them means speaking English with confidence and fluency.
Effective Methods to Memorize Them
a) Group Verbs by Sound Families
Learning them through “sound groups” makes memorization easier.
Examples:
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Same pattern: catch / caught / caught, teach / taught / taught.
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Same ending: drink / drank / drunk, sing / sang / sung.
? Tip: Create a flashcard for each group, using colors or icons to visualize the similarities.
b) Use Flashcards or a Vocabulary Notebook
Create your own revision flashcards with:
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Front: the infinitive form.
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Back: the past and past participle forms.
Test yourself regularly!
Or use a dedicated vocabulary notebook, such as the one from Clairefontaine, to:
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✍️ Write & memorize
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? Cover the page
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? Test your knowledge
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✅ Check the answer
c) Learn Through Games
There’s nothing more effective than learning while having fun!
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Verb Memory Game: match the three forms of each verb.
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Bingo or board games: each square contains a verb to conjugate.
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Challenge your friends: who can find the most verbs in one minute?
d) Use Them in Sentences or Short Stories
Irregular verbs are much easier to remember when used in context.
➡️ Example: “Yesterday I went to the park and saw my friends.”
This method helps you remember not only the form but also the meaning and usage of each verb.
3. Tips to Make Learning Easier
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? Study a little every day: 5 verbs a day are better than 30 all at once.
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? Keep your list visible: stick it on your fridge, mirror, notebook, or door.
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? Sing or rap the verbs!
There are catchy songs that make memorizing irregular verbs fun and rhythmic. -
?️ Say them out loud and write them down: combining visual and auditory memory strengthens retention.
? Secret tip: your brain loves repetition and rhythm — combine both, and you’ll learn almost effortlessly!
In Summary
Learning irregular verbs doesn’t have to be a nightmare — it’s all about using the right method.
➡️ Vary your learning tools, practice a little every day, and mix fun with study.
Every verb you learn is one more sentence you can say naturally.
The more you practice, the more fluent, spontaneous, and confident your English will become.
So — are you ready to turn that infamous list of irregular verbs into your best ally for speaking English like a pro?