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Regular vs. Irregular Verbs in Present Perfect

Learn the difference between regular and irregular verbs in the present perfect tense. Understand how to form sentences like I have worked vs. I have gone.

What Are Regular and Irregular Verbs?

Regular verbs form their past participle by adding -ed (e.g., worked, played). Irregular verbs have unique past participles that do not follow this rule (e.g., gone, eaten).

Why Is This Important?

Understanding the difference between regular and irregular verbs in the present perfect tense helps you use the correct verb form when describing past actions with a connection to the present.

Key Points

  • Regular verbs form the past participle by adding -ed
    • I have worked all day.
    • She has played the piano.
  • Irregular verbs have unique past participles
    • I have gone to the store.
    • She has eaten lunch.
  • Use 'have' (I, you, we, they) or 'has' (he, she, it) before the past participle
    • He has finished his work.
    • They have visited Paris.

Rules for Regular and Irregular Verbs in Present Perfect

  • Use regular verbs by adding -ed to form the past participle

    • I have worked all day.
    • She has played the piano.
    • They have watched the movie.

  • Use irregular verbs with unique past participles

    • I have gone to the store.
    • She has eaten lunch.
    • We have seen that movie.

  • Always use have or has before the past participle

    • He has finished his work.
    • They have visited Paris.
    • She has written a letter.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    Some irregular verbs have the same past participle and past simple form, while others change completely.

  • Some verbs are the same in past simple and past participle form.

    • Past Simple: I bought a car.
    • Present Perfect: I have bought a car.

  • Some irregular verbs change completely in the past participle.

    • Past Simple: She went home.
    • Present Perfect: She has gone home.
ExampleTenseUse
I have worked all day.Present PerfectRegular verb (-ed form)
She has gone to the store.Present PerfectIrregular verb (unique past participle)
They have played football.Present PerfectRegular verb (-ed form)
We have seen that movie.Present PerfectIrregular verb (unique past participle)

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.