Spelling Rules for Regular Past Tense Verbs

1.

Add ed to the base form of most verbs

start
finish
wash

2.

Add only d when the base form ends in an e.

live
care
die

3.

sewed
mixed

If the verb has two syllables, and the final syllable is stressed, double the final
consonant.
ad mit
oc cur
per mit

8.

stopped
robbed
begged

Do not double final w or x.

sew
mix

7.

prayed
stayed
destroyed

If the verb has one syllable and ends in a consonant + vowel + consonant (CVC),
double the final consonant and add ed.
stop
rob
beg

6.

dried
carried
spied

If the verb ends in a vowel + y, do not change the y. Just add ed

pray
stay
destroy

5.

lived
cared
died

If the verb ends in a consonant + y, change the y to i and add ed

dry
carry
spy

4.

started
finished
washed

admitted
occurred
permitted

If the verb has two syllables, and the final syllable is not stressed, do not double
the final consonant.
hap pen
lis ten
o pen

happened
listened
opened