Irregular verbs can be a challenge for English learners because they don’t follow the standard -ed rule for past tense. Instead, their past forms often change completely or follow unique patterns. Some verbs even have past tense forms that look identical to their base forms, making them even trickier to master.

To help you navigate these confusing verbs, we’ve compiled 20 advanced irregular verbs that frequently cause confusion, along with explanations and examples for each.

20 Confusing Advanced Irregular Verbs

1. Arise → Arose → Arisen

Why it’s confusing: It looks similar to “rise,” but the meanings differ.

Examples:

• A problem arose during the meeting.
• If any issues arise, please contact me.

2. Bear → Bore → Borne

Why it’s confusing: “Bear” means both to carry and to endure, while “bore” is also the past tense of “to bore” (as in making someone feel uninterested).

Examples:

• She bore all the hardships with grace.
• This bridge has borne heavy traffic for years.

3. Bind → Bound → Bound

Why it’s confusing: Many learners mistakenly use “binded” instead of “bound.”

Examples:

• He bound the books together with string.
• She has bound herself to the agreement.

4. Cling → Clung → Clung

Why it’s confusing: It doesn’t follow the typical -ed rule, and “clung” doesn’t resemble the base verb.

Examples:

• The baby clung to her mother.

• He has clung to his beliefs for years.

5. Creep → Crept → Crept

Why it’s confusing: Many learners assume “creeped” is correct.

Examples:

• The cat crept silently through the garden.
• Fear has crept into their minds.

6. Deal → Dealt → Dealt

Why it’s confusing: “Dealt” doesn’t resemble “deal.”

Examples:

• He dealt with the problem efficiently.
• She has dealt with similar issues before.

7. Dwell → Dwelt → Dwelt

Why it’s confusing: “Dwelt” sounds outdated, but it’s still correct.

Examples:

• He dwelt in the mountains for years.
• She has dwelt on that mistake too long.

8. Flee → Fled → Fled

Why it’s confusing: Many assume “fleed” is correct.

Examples:

• The suspect fled the scene.

• They have fled to another country.

9. Forbid → Forbade → Forbidden

Why it’s confusing: The pronunciation changes significantly.

Examples:

• The law forbade smoking in public.
• He has been forbidden from entering the premises.

10. Grind → Ground → Ground

Why it’s confusing: “Ground” is also a noun, which can cause confusion.

Examples:

• She ground the coffee beans.
• The machine has ground the metal into dust.

11. Kneel → Knelt → Knelt

Why it’s confusing: Some people say “kneeled,” but “knelt” is the traditional past form.

Examples:

• He knelt before the altar.
• She has knelt in prayer every night.

12. Leap → Leapt → Leapt

Why it’s confusing: “Leapt” is more common in British English, while “leaped” is often used in American English.

Examples:

• The cat leapt onto the counter.
• He has leapt over many obstacles.

13. Mislead → Misled → Misled

Why it’s confusing: “Misled” is often mispronounced as “mis-leed.”

Examples:

• The company misled customers with false advertising.
• He has been misled by rumors.

14. Overcome → Overcame → Overcome

Why it’s confusing: The past participle is the same as the base form.

Examples:

• She overcame her fears.
• They have overcome many challenges.

15. Sew → Sewed → Sewn

Why it’s confusing: Many learners assume “sewed” is always correct.

Examples:

• She sewed a new dress.

• The tailor has sewn many costumes.

16. Shrink → Shrank → Shrunk

Why it’s confusing: “Shrunken” is a separate adjective.

Examples:

• My sweater shrank in the wash.
• His confidence has shrunk over time.

17. Slay → Slew → Slain

Why it’s confusing: “Slay” also means “to impress,” but follows normal rules in modern slang.

Examples:

• The knight slew the dragon.
• The army has slain many enemies.

18. Stride → Strode → Stridden

Why it’s confusing: “Stridden” is rarely used in modern English.

Examples:

• He strode confidently into the room.
• She has stridden across the stage many times.

19. Tread → Trod → Trodden

Why it’s confusing: “Trodden” sounds archaic but is still correct.

Examples:

• He trod on my foot by accident.
• They have trodden the same path for years.

20. Weep → Wept → Wept

Why it’s confusing: “Wept” doesn’t resemble “weep.”

Examples:

• She wept tears of joy.
• He has wept many times over the loss.

Mastering Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs are tricky, but they become easier with practice. Focus on patterns, use them in sentences, and keep practicing daily. Need extra help? Try ELSA Speak, our app designed to improve your English fluency through interactive exercises.

By understanding these advanced irregular verbs, you’ll sound more natural and confident in English conversations!

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