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American Grammar Checkup: Do You Know How to Use These Common Verbs?

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?

  1. Sheila said she (seen / saw) that movie last year.
  2. The box I (threw / throwed / through) into the pond (sunk / sank / sinks) like a rock.
  3. Our town has (became / become) famous lately!
  4. Frank has (gone / went) to the store already.
  5. Earlier, I (laid / lay / lied) down for a nap.
  6. John said he (was / been) at the store by 2:00.
  7. The ship (had sank / had sunk) too quickly for them to help.
  8. Sheila said she (had seen / had saw) that movie last year.
  9. Earlier, I (lay / laid / layed) the book on the table.

Here are the answers, which are in bold.

  1. Sheila said she (seen / saw) that movie last year.
  2. The box I (threw / throwed / through) into the pond (sunk / sank / sinks) like a rock.
  3. Our town has (became / become) famous lately!
  4. Frank has (gone / went) to the store already.
  5. Earlier, I (laid / lay / lied) down for a nap.
  6. John said he (was / been) at the store by 2:00.
  7. The ship (had sank / had sunk) too quickly for them to help.
  8. Sheila said she (had seen / had saw) that movie last year.
  9. 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.

Susan Rooks
Susan Rookshttps://grammargoddess.com/
With nearly 30 years’ experience as an international workshop leader, Susan Rooks is uniquely positioned to help people master the communication skills they need to succeed. In 1995, Susan formed Grammar Goddess Communication, creating and leading workshops in three main areas – American grammar, business writing, and interpersonal skills – to help business pros enhance their communication skills. She also leads one-hour LinkedIn workshops (Master the LinkedIn Profile Basics) via Zoom to help business pros anywhere maximize their LinkedIn experience, offering it to Chambers of Commerce and other civic organizations free of charge. As an editor, Susan has worked on business blogs, award-winning children’s books, best-selling business books, website content, and even corporate annual reports (with clients from half a dozen countries), ensuring that all material is professionally presented.

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