Past simple: common irregular verbs

Common irregular verbs have special past forms that do not end in the usual regular -ed form.

When do we use it?

Recognise and use frequent irregular past forms in everyday sentences.

Form

Learn frequent pairs such as go–went, see–saw and have–had.

• We went home.
• I saw Anna.
• He had breakfast.
• They bought a ticket.

Key contrast

Look for the subject, noun type, sentence form and time expression before choosing.

Common mistakes

• She goed home. → She went home.
• I buyed it. → I bought it.

Remember

Common irregular verbs have special past forms that do not end in the usual regular -ed form.

Quick check

• Read the complete sentence.
• Find the grammar clue.
• Choose the form that fits both meaning and structure.