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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
Explaining an irregular verb (spread)
Hello,
Can someone please tell me how do I explain to an ESL how to use the irregular verb spread. For example, the simple present tense is (to) spread and the past tense is spread. For example, if someone says "I spread rumors," how does one know if you are talking about in general or the past tense? Does one need to need an adverbial phrase like "all the time" or do I need an adverb of frequency such as "often," "regularly," etc. to denote that I am referring to the present?
Thank you in advance for anyone who can help me with this question.
Simon
Can someone please tell me how do I explain to an ESL how to use the irregular verb spread. For example, the simple present tense is (to) spread and the past tense is spread. For example, if someone says "I spread rumors," how does one know if you are talking about in general or the past tense? Does one need to need an adverbial phrase like "all the time" or do I need an adverb of frequency such as "often," "regularly," etc. to denote that I am referring to the present?
Thank you in advance for anyone who can help me with this question.
Simon
Top answer
The primary determinant is context, Simon. In a real conversation, it would usually be obvious without further defining words: A: What's your job, Pheme? P: I spread rumours.
- The primary determinant is context, Simon.
- In a real conversation, it would usually be obvious without further defining words: A: What's your job, Pheme?
- P: I spread rumours.
- B: What did they arrest you for, Pheme?
- P: I spread rumours.
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1 Answers
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The primary determinant is context, Simon. In a real conversation, it would usually be obvious without further defining words:
A: What's your job, Pheme?
P: I spread rumours.
B: What did they arrest you for, Pheme?
P: I spread rumours.
Therefore, you cannot tell your students that an adverb or other cue is necessary. In isolated sentences for
The primary determinant is context, Simon. In a real conversation, it would usually be obvious without further defining words:
A: What's your job, Pheme?
P: I spread rumours.
B: What did they arrest you for, Pheme?
P: I spread rumours.
Therefore, you cannot tell your students that an adverb or other cue is necessary. In isolated sentences for
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