Let’s be honest – irregular verbs can feel like the class clowns of English. Just when you think you’ve got the rules figured out, here comes go turning into went or buy turning into bought.

It can be confusing, but don’t worry -it happens to everyone!

Learning irregular verbs doesn’t have to be hard. With a few simple tricks, you can remember them faster and even have a little fun along the way.

Ready to make these verbs stick in your memory? Let’s get started!

How to Remember Irregular Verbs

1. Group Irregular Verbs by Patterns

Irregular verbs can feel overwhelming at first, but many follow specific patterns. By identifying and grouping these patterns, you can make learning much easier. Here are some examples to get you started:

• Verbs that stay the same: These verbs don’t change, no matter the tense. Examples include cut – cut – cut and put – put – put. These are the simplest ones, so start with them to build confidence.
• Verbs that change vowels: Some verbs follow a clear vowel-change pattern. For instance, begin – began – begun and drink – drank – drunk. Group these together and practice saying them aloud to notice the vowel shifts.
• Verbs that end with “-t” in the past: These verbs replace their usual endings with “-t.” Examples include feel – felt – felt and keep – kept – kept.

Once you spot these patterns, irregular verbs won’t seem so random anymore. Grouping them makes them easier to study, like solving small puzzles instead of tackling one giant list.

2. Use Flashcards

Flashcards are a classic learning tool because they work! Here’s how to use them effectively:

1. Write the base form of the verb on one side (e.g., “go”).
2. Write the past and past participle forms on the other side (e.g., “went, gone”).
3. Shuffle the cards and quiz yourself daily for 5–10 minutes.

You can make this even more engaging by using colorful markers or images on the cards. Apps like Quizlet can also help you create digital flashcards. The key is consistent, short practice sessions. Repetition reinforces memory, making the verbs stick in your brain.

3. Make a Story with Irregular Verbs

Creating stories is a powerful way to learn because it connects verbs to real-life situations. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Choose a few irregular verbs you want to practice.
2. Write a short, fun story using those verbs in context.

For example:
“Yesterday, I went to the zoo. I saw a lion, and it roared loudly. I took a picture and gave it to my friend.”

When verbs are part of a story, they’re easier to remember because your brain ties them to an event. Plus, this method is creative and fun!

4. Sing Songs with Irregular Verbs

Music is a fantastic memory aid. Many popular songs contain irregular verbs, making them an enjoyable study tool. Some examples include:

• “I knew you were trouble” (Taylor Swift).
• “I saw her standing there” (The Beatles).

Sing along with your favorite songs and focus on the verbs in the lyrics. Repetition through music helps you remember faster because melodies and rhythms stick in your head.

5. Play Games

Learning doesn’t have to be boring! Turn studying into a game to keep things fun and engaging. Here are a few ideas:

• Verb Bingo: Create bingo cards with irregular verbs. When a verb is called out, mark it on your card.
• Memory Match: Write the base form and past forms of verbs on separate cards. Mix them up and match pairs.
• Verb Race: Set a timer and see how many irregular verbs you can write down in one minute.

Games make learning active and interactive, which helps you retain information better.

6. Practice with Rhymes

Rhymes are great for memory because they make information sound playful and catchy. Pair irregular verbs with rhyming words or phrases. For example:

• Think – Drink – Shrink
• Go – Show – Throw

You can even turn these rhymes into short, funny sentences or songs. The sillier they are, the more likely you’ll remember them.

7. Focus on the Most Common Irregular Verbs

There’s no need to memorize all irregular verbs at once. Start with the ones you’ll use most often, like:

• be, have, do, go, say, get, make, know, think, take.

Once you’ve mastered these, learning less common verbs will feel easier. Use them in sentences regularly to make them part of your everyday vocabulary.

8. Use Visual Aids

Visual tools make abstract information more concrete. Create a simple chart with columns for the base form, past simple, and past participle. For example:

Add pictures to represent each verb. For “eat,” draw a plate of food. For “write,” add an image of a pen. Seeing the visuals alongside the words helps your brain create stronger connections.

9. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

Repetition is key to learning anything new, especially irregular verbs. Here’s how to incorporate repetition into your routine:

• Write down 5–10 verbs each day and use them in sentences.
• Say them out loud to practice pronunciation.
• Use the same verbs over several days until you feel confident with them.

For example:

• Today: “I write a letter.”
• Yesterday: “I wrote a letter.”

The more you practice, the easier it becomes to recall them naturally.

10. Practice with a Friend or Teacher

Learning with someone else is motivating and effective. Ask a friend, parent, or teacher to quiz you on irregular verbs. For example:

• They say: “Run.”
• You respond: “Ran, run.”

This method gives you instant feedback and encouragement. Plus, it’s a great way to practice speaking and listening skills. You’ll also feel more confident knowing you’re improving with help from others.

Mastering Irregular Verbs Made Simple

With these strategies, mastering irregular verbs will feel less like a chore and more like a fun challenge. Keep practicing, and soon they’ll become second nature!

For extra support, try ELSA Speak, our app designed to help you improve your English pronunciation and fluency. It’s like having a personal language coach right in your pocket.

Combine these tricks with ELSA Speak, and watch your confidence grow as you tackle those tricky verbs!

Learn more about irregular verbs here.