Most of us can use verbs in the present tense – the tense that lets a listener or a reader know it’s about the NOW, not the future or the past. For some reason, though, there are a few verbs that routinely get misused when moving into the past tense.
So, quiz time. What are your choices in the sentences below?
- Sheila said she (seen / saw) that movie last year.
- The box I (threw / throwed / through) into the pond (sunk / sank / sinks) like a rock.
- Our town has (became / become) famous lately!
- Frank has (gone / went) to the store already.
- Earlier, I (laid / lay / lied) down for a nap.
- John said he (was / been) at the store by 2:00.
- The ship (had sank / had sunk) too quickly for them to help.
- Sheila said she (had seen / had saw) that movie last year.
- Earlier, I (lay / laid / layed) the book on the table.
Here are the answers, which are in bold.
- Sheila said she (seen / saw) that movie last year.
- The box I (threw / throwed / through) into the pond (sunk / sank / sinks) like a rock.
- Our town has (became / become) famous lately!
- Frank has (gone / went) to the store already.
- Earlier, I (laid / lay / lied) down for a nap.
- John said he (was / been) at the store by 2:00.
- The ship (had sank / had sunk) too quickly for them to help.
- Sheila said she (had seen / had saw) that movie last year.
- Earlier, I (lay / laid / layed) the book on the table.
The toughest ones are lie and lay; if you’re not comfortable using them correctly, consider finding a synonym. Or check this page on my website.