Vocabulary: Word Formation & Morphology (Introduction) (A2) - Lesson 2: Basic Verb Endings for Tenses

Lesson 2: Basic Verb Endings for Tenses

Word Formation & Morphology (A2)

In our last lesson, we saw how nouns change for plurals. Verbs also change! Verbs change their form to tell us when an action happens. This is called "tense". This lesson will show you the most common verb endings we add to talk about the past and the present.

Key Vocabulary

• Tense (noun) | កាល
  A form of a verb that shows the time an action happened.
• Verb Ending (noun phrase) | បច្ច័យកិរិយាស័ព្ទ
  Letters added to the end of a verb to change its tense.
• Base Verb (noun phrase) | កិរិយាស័ព្ទដើម
  The simple, original form of a verb with no endings.

Rule 1: Simple Present - The "-s" Ending

You know this rule! It shows an action that happens regularly. For he, she, and it, we add -s to the base verb.

• I work ➞ He works.
• They play ➞ She plays.
• We eat ➞ The cat eats.

Rule 2: Simple Past - The "-ed" Ending

To talk about a regular action that finished in the past (like yesterday), we usually add -ed to the end of the verb.

• work ➞ worked (I worked yesterday.)
• play ➞ played (We played football last week.)
• watch ➞ watched (She watched TV last night.)

Rule 3: Present Progressive - The "-ing" Ending

To talk about an action that is happening right now, we use the verb 'to be' (am, is, are) and add -ing to the main verb.

• work ➞ working (I am working right now.)
• play ➞ playing (He is playing football.)
• eat ➞ eating (They are eating lunch.)

Usage Note: Spelling Rules for Endings

Be careful! Sometimes the spelling of the base verb changes when you add an ending.

• For -ed: If a verb ends in 'e', just add '-d'. (like ➞ liked). If it ends in 'consonant + y', change 'y' to 'i'. (study ➞ studied).
• For -ing: If a verb ends in 'e', remove the 'e'. (write ➞ writing). For a short verb with one vowel + one consonant, double the last letter. (run ➞ running).

In Conversation

Maria asks Srey about her day.

Maria: Hi Srey! What are you doing right now?

Srey: I am studying for my English test. I study every evening.

Maria: You are a good student! What did you do yesterday?

Srey: Yesterday, I worked all day. After work, I watched a movie with my family.

Maria: That sounds nice. My brother is playing football outside right now. He plays every Wednesday.

Srey: Oh, fun! Is he enjoying it?

Maria: Yes, he always enjoys playing sports.

Check Your Understanding

1. Which sentence talks about an action happening right now?
   • a) I walked to school.
   • b) I am walking to school.
   • c) I walk to school.
   Answer: b) I am walking to school. (Present Progressive)

2. What is the correct past tense of the verb 'study'?
   • a) studyed
   • b) study-ed
   • c) studied
   Answer: c) studied

3. Choose the correct verb form: "He ______ in a hotel."
   • a) work
   • b) works
   • c) is work
   Answer: b) works (Simple present for 'he')

Your Mission

1. My Timeline: Write three sentences: one about yesterday (past), one about a daily habit (present), and one about what you are doing now (progressive). (e.g., "Yesterday, I played football. I drink coffee every morning. I am doing my homework.")
2. Verb Practice: Take three verbs (e.g., talk, help, listen). Write their three forms: Base (talk), Past (talked), Progressive (talking).
3. Speak: Your mission is to tell a friend one thing you did yesterday and one thing you are doing now.