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