Simple Past Spelling Rules

If the verb ends in a consonant, add -ed.

help –> helped
return –> returned

If the verb ends in -e, add -d.

live –> lived
create –> created
die –> died

In one-syllable words, if the word ends in a consonant-vowel-consonant combination (CVC), double the final consonant and add -ed.

CVC

hop –> hopped
rub –> rubbed

However, do not double one-syllable words ending in -w, -x, or -y.

bow –> bowed
mix –> mixed
play –> played

In words of two or more syllables that end in a consonant-vowel-consonant combination, double the last consonant only if the last syllable is stressed.

prefer –> preferred (The last syllable is stressed.)
visit –> visited (The last syllable is not stressed)

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

worry –>worried
carry –> carried

If the verb ends in a vowel + y, add -ed. (Do not change the y to i.)

play –> played
annoy –> annoyed

Exceptions: pay-paid, lay-laid, say-said