Pronouncing -ed
When a regular verb is in the past tense, it ends in -ed. There are exactly 3 ways to pronounce it: /ɪd/, /t/, and /d/.
Rule 1: The /ɪd/ Sound
Use after verbs ending in 'T' or 'D' sounds.
Rule 2: The /t/ Sound
Use after unvoiced sounds (p, k, f, s, ch, sh).
Rule 3: The /d/ Sound
Use after voiced sounds (b, g, v, z, j, m, n, l, r, and vowels).
Do not add an extra syllable to every word!
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Video Lesson
Watch carefully: Learn how to properly position your mouth for each of the three ending sounds!
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Recent Questions
Yes! If you add an extra syllable where you shouldn't, like saying "look-ed" instead of "lookt", native speakers might get confused and not understand you immediately. It is a very important rule! info
How do I know if a sound is voiced or unvoiced?
Touch your throat gently! If it vibrates when you make the sound (like 'v' or 'z'), it is voiced. If it doesn't vibrate and is just air (like 's' or 'k'), it is unvoiced. Try it! front_hand
Does the spelling matter? What about the word "laughed"?
Brilliant question! It is all about the SOUND, not the spelling! "Laugh" ends in an "f" sound, which is unvoiced. So, "laughed" takes the /t/ sound! lightbulb
Is it really that important to get it right?