Past Participle

A past participle is a verb form we use with have or has to make the Present Perfect tense.

Examples:

I have visited Spain.
She has seen that movie.

🧠 The past participle tells us that something happened before now, but we don’t say exactly when.

The three main verb forms

In English, every verb has three main forms:

Base FormPast Simple
(Verb II)
Past Participle
(Verb III)
gowentgone
eatateeaten
watchwatchedwatched

We use:

  • Base form → for now (I go to school every day.)
  • Past simple → for yesterday (I went to school yesterday.)
  • Past participle → with have/has (I have gone to school.)

Regular verbs

For regular verbs, the past participle ends in -ed (just like the past simple).

BasePastPast Participle
workworkedworked
playplayedplayed
visitvisitedvisited

Examples:

I have visited my grandparents.
We have played soccer many times.

Irregular verbs

Some verbs don’t follow the “-ed” rule.
These are called irregular verbs. You must learn them.

BasePastPast Participle
gowentgone
seesawseen
dodiddone
eatateeaten
havehadhad

Examples:

I have gone to Italy.
She has seen that movie before.
He has done his homework.

Why is it important?

You need the past participle to make the Present Perfect tense, which is used to talk about life experiences:

Have you ever been to Canada?
I have never tried sushi.
We have visited many cities.

📘 Common Irregular Verbs

This is a basic list of the most common irregular verbs in English.
It’s a great place to start, but remember, there are many more irregular verbs that you’ll learn as you continue studying.

👉 Focus on a few verbs each week and use them in real sentences.
The more you read, listen, and speak, the easier it will be to remember new ones naturally.

Keep this table as your starter guide, and you’ll build your verb knowledge step by step.

#Base Form
(Verb I)
Past Simple
(Verb II)
Past Participle
(Verb III)
Example Sentence
1bewas / werebeenI’ve been to Italy.
2becomebecamebecomeHe’s become more confident.
3beginbeganbegunThe class has just begun.
4breakbrokebrokenI’ve broken my glasses.
5buyboughtboughtShe’s bought new shoes.
6choosechosechosenHave you chosen a movie?
7comecamecomeThey’ve come home.
8dodiddoneHe’s done his homework.
9drinkdrankdrunkShe’s drunk all the juice.
10drivedrovedrivenHe’s driven to work today.
11eatateeatenHave you eaten yet?
12feelfeltfeltI’ve felt tired all day.
13findfoundfoundI’ve found my keys.
14forgetforgotforgottenI’ve forgotten your name!
15getgotgotI’ve got a new job.
16givegavegivenThey’ve given me a gift.
17gowentgoneWe’ve gone to the park.
18havehadhadShe’s had breakfast already.
19knowknewknownHave you known her long?
20leaveleftleftShe’s left her bag at home.
21makemademadeHe’s made a cake.
22meetmetmetWe’ve met before.
23readread /rɛd/read /rɛd/I’ve read that book.
24saysaidsaidShe’s said sorry.
25seesawseenI’ve seen that movie.
26taketooktakenWe’ve taken lots of photos.
27telltoldtoldHe’s told me the story.
28thinkthoughtthoughtI’ve thought about it.
29wearworewornI’ve worn this jacket before.
30writewrotewrittenHe’s written three emails.

Let’s practice

Practice 1

Practice 2

Speaking

Choose a card and say the base form – simple past – past participle.

Example:

go – went- gone

If you don’t remember, you can check the table of irregular verbs

Time Test Unwind

 Board Game Instructions:

  1. Roll the dice 🎲 – Click on the dice in the game.
  2. Find your question 🔍 – Match the numbers from your roll to the grid.
    • The first number = Row (➡️)
    • The second number = Column (⬇️)
  3. Answer the question 💬 – Look at the square on the grid and answer the question out loud!
  4. Special square:
    • “Take a break – No question!” 😌 – Relax, no question for you this round!
  5. Have fun! 🎉

🎲 Post-Test Wind-Down Activity😊

📝🎲 Instructions: Post-Test Game 😊

1️⃣ Form a Group: Work in pairs or small groups for this activity. 

2️⃣ Take turns rolling the die. 🎲

3️⃣ Open the box with the same number as your die.

4️⃣Read the sentence starter inside.

5️⃣Complete the sentence with your own answer. 💬

OPTIONAL: Ask a follow-up question!  

💡 Have fun and share your thoughts! 😊

How to Pronounce ‘t’ in American English

The English language can be tricky, especially when it comes to pronunciation. One of the biggest surprises for English learners is discovering that a single letter can have multiple sounds depending on its position in a word. Today, we’re focusing on the letter /t/, which changes its sound based on the word, sentence, and context. Let’s break down the different ways /t/ is pronounced and practice using them!

The Different Sounds of the Letter /t/ in English

The English letter /t/ can take on multiple sounds depending on its position and context, making it a unique letter to master for smoother and more natural English pronunciation. Let’s explore the four common ways /t/ is pronounced in English, complete with examples and explanations!

In English, the /t/ sound isn’t always pronounced the way you might expect. Here are the four main ways /t/ sounds appear:

Breaking Down the /t/ Variations with Examples

Here are some example sentences to practice with each /t/ sound. Say each sentence slowly and then try it at a natural speed.

True /t/ Sound

When /t/ sounds crisp and clear.

  • Try to take the table.
  • Tell Tim to take the test tomorrow.

Flap /t/ Sound

When /t/ sounds like a soft /d/.

  • Could you pass me the water, please?
  • I ordered butter and jam.

Flap /t/ in Phrases: Making Speech Smooth and Natural

In American English, the flap /t/ sound often appears in phrases, especially when a word ending in a /t/ sound is followed by a vowel sound in the next word.

Instead of pronouncing a clear /t/ sound, the tongue makes a quick, soft contact with the roof of the mouth, similar to the sound of a /d/.

This transformation makes speech sound smoother and more connected, helping phrases flow naturally.

The flap /t/ typically happens:

  • When a word ends in a /t/ sound and is followed by another word starting with a vowel, like in “get out.”
  • In many common two-word phrases with “to” (e.g., “go to,” “get to”).

In connected speech, this subtle shift helps prevent words from sounding choppy, which would happen if we fully articulated each /t/.

Here are some examples of phrases where the flap /t/ appears:

  • go to school ➔ sounds like /go-duh school/
  • get it right ➔ sounds like /ged-it right/
  • out of town ➔ sounds like /ou-duhv town/
  • put it away ➔ sounds like /pud-uh way/

Glottal /t/ Sound

When /t/ stops the air in your throat.

  • Can you climb the mountain quickly?
  • I’ll grab a button for my shirt.

Silent /t/ Sound

When /t/ is completely silent.

  • He climbed the castle wall.
  • Did you hear the whistle blow?

Brainstorming /t/ Words

Start by brainstorming words with /t/ in them. Think of as many as you can, from time and ten to later and cattle. Now, try saying these words slowly and pay attention to how your /t/ sounds. Ask yourself:

  • Does the /t/ sound clear, like in table?
  • Does it sound like a /d/, like in water?
  • Is it cut off, like in button?
  • Is it silent, like in castle?

Practice Sentences for Each Sound

Here are some sentences for you to practice each /t/ sound. Say these out loud and try to emphasize the correct /t/ pronunciation.

  • True /t/: Take a look at the tall tree.
  • Flap /t/: I’m getting better at pronunciation.
  • Glottal /t/: He packed his bag with cotton socks.
  • Silent /t/: Did you listen to the new song?

Here you find a list of words with the different /t/ sounds:

Final Tips for Mastering /t/ Sounds

  • Listen for the Flap /t/ in American English speech, as it’s one of the most common /t/ sounds and will make your pronunciation sound more fluent.
  • Practice each sound individually by recording yourself and listening to how you sound.
  • Focus on connected speech, allowing the sounds to blend naturally as you become more comfortable with different /t/ pronunciations.

Get to know you

🎲 Board Game Instructions:

  1. Roll the dice 🎲 – Click on the dice in the game.
  2. Find your question 🔍 – Match the numbers from your roll to the grid.
    • The first number = Row (➡️)
    • The second number = Column (⬇️)
  3. Answer the question 💬 – Look at the square on the grid and answer the question out loud!
  4. Special square:
    • “Take a break – No question!” 😌 – Relax, no question for you this round!
  5. Have fun! 🎉

Post-Test Fun: Snakes and Ladders!

After your hard work on the test, it’s time to relax and have some fun! Join us for a game of Snakes and Ladders, where you can roll the dice, answer questions, and climb your way to victory. This game is a great way to unwind and reflect on what you’ve learned. Let’s get started!

Snakes and Ladders Game 🐍🪜

🎲 Instructions:

  1. 👥 Number of Players: 2-4 players
  2. 🎯 Objective: Be the first to reach the finish 🎉 by moving across the board, answering questions, and having fun!
  3. 🔄 How to Play:
    • Each player starts at square 1️⃣.
    • 🎲 Roll the dice and move forward the number of spaces.
    • 🪜 If you land on a ladder, climb up to the top.
    • 🐍 If you land on a snake, slide down to its tail.
  4. ❓ Answer a Question:
    • When you land on a question square 🛈, pick a card and answer the question.
  5. 🏅 Winning the Game: The first player to reach the last square wins! 🎉

Have fun, relax, and reflect on your test! 😄

Dream Destinations: Where Would You Go?

🎯 Learning goal: Practice speaking by discussing travel preferences using information from travel brochures.

💭 Think

  1. Look at the brochures for Paris, Tokyo, and Cancun.
  2. Consider the different travel packages and activities each destination offers.
  3. Choose one destination you would like to visit.
  4. Write your ideas on a piece of paper or in the chat. Explain:
  • Which destination you chose.
  • Why you chose that destination.
  • Which activity you are most excited about and why.

Example: I chose to visit Paris because I’ve always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower. I think it would be amazing to explore the museums and take a cruise on the Seine River. I’m most excited about the city tours, especially visiting Montmartre, because it seems like a beautiful and historic area.

💡 🗣️ Small group discussion


Share your destination choice and the reasons with your classmates.

Ask the following questions:

  1. What do you think you will learn or experience in [destination]?
  2. Did you consider going to another destination? Why or why not?
  3. How do you think traveling to [destination] will change your perspective?
  4. Would you choose the same destination for a short trip or a long vacation? Why?
  5. Which activity in the brochure do you find the least interesting? Why?
  6. Which activity do you think will be the most fun or memorable? Why?
  7. Do you think you would like the local food in [destination]? Why or why not?
  8. Have you ever visited [destination] before? If yes, what was your experience?

✍️ Write about it


Write a short paragraph about your travel choice. Include:

  • Share your reflection in the comments below.👇

Airplane Cabin

🎯Learning goal: Practice speaking by discussing seating preferences in an airplane cabin with famous people.

💭 Think alone

  1. Look at the picture of the airplane cabin.
  2. Notice the famous people sitting in different seats and the empty seats available.
  3. Choose a seat you would like to sit in.
  4. Write your ideas on a piece of paper/ in the chat explain:
  • Which seat you chose.
  • Why you chose that seat.
  • Which famous person you would like to sit next to and why.

Example: I chose to sit in seat 1B, which is next to Kate Middleton. I chose this seat because I admire her elegance and her work with various charities. I would love to talk to her about her experiences as a member of the royal family and her efforts in supporting mental health and children’s causes.

💡 🗣️ Small group discussion

Share your siting choice and the reasons with your classmates.

Ask the following questions

  1. What can you learn from talking with [famous person]?
  2. Did you think about sitting somewhere else? Why or why not?
  3. How will sitting next to [famous person] change your flight?
  4. Would you pick the same seat for a long flight or a short flight? Why?
  5. Which famous person do you think will be rude on the flight? Why?
  6. Which person do you think will be kind on the flight? Why?
  7. Do you think [famous person] will like talking to you? Why?
  8. Have you seen [famous person] in real life before? If yes, what happened?

✍️ Write about it

Write a short paragraph about your sitting choice.

Share your reflection in the comments below.👇.