Spelling Safari   Changing From Present to Past Tense

 The Rules:

Rule 1: When adding -ed to most verbs, to make them past tense (as if the action happened yesterday or a minute ago), sometimes you have to change a y to an i.  

 simplify --> simplified

Rule 2: Verbs ending with a consonant, like p's and d's and t's, go back and forth between being doubled and not being doubled.  It's safest to always check in the dictionary if you are not sure.   Never double w, x, y, or z.

 interpret --> interpreted
diagram --> diagrammed

Rule 3: If the present tense verb ends in e, just add the d to make the verb past tense.

loathe --> loathed

Rule 4: With certain verbs, making them past tense involves changing the form of the word slightly.  These are your verbs that don't sound quite right when you go to past tense by adding an -ed.  

think --> thought
teach --> taught
know --> knew
deal --> dealt

Your Assignments:

1. Practice

 Play the Start and Stop Game on line at http://writingfix.com/leftbrain/start_and_end_with_verb.htm#lesson.

Then complete the practice exercise at http://archon.educ.kent.edu/Midwest/Materials/ndakota/spelling/exercise3.html.

2. Word List:

Write down 3 words that follow rule 1, 3 words that follow rule 2, 3 words that follow rule 3, and 3 rules that follow rule 4.

2. Sentences:

Put each of your 'past tense' words into a grammatically correct sentence.

3. Spelling Test:

Use our spelling method to practice spelling your 12 words. Be ready for a test at the end of the week.

4. Turn in your work by Friday. Your packet should include your "ed" ending exercise, word list, sentences, and spelling test.

 

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