Past tense spelling

Past tense spelling refers to the spelling of regular verbs in the past or past participle form - that is, verb forms that end in "ed".


 * Most regular verbs add -ed to the infinitive form. See Default below.
 * Regular verbs ending in -e just add -d: liked; received;
 * Regular verbs ending in one stressed vowel + one consonant (except w, x or y) double the consonant and add -ed: planned; stopped; referred; controlled
 * This rule also applies to the verb "program", even if it doesn't end in a stressed syllable: programmed
 * In British English, the letter "l" is doubled in the past after a single unstressed vowel: levelled - leveled; travelled - traveled


 * Regular verbs ending in consonant + y change the y to i and add -ed: carried; studied; tried;
 * Regular verbs ending in -c add ked: picnicked; trafficked;


 * Default. All other regular verbs add -ed.
 * Ending in one or more vowels (except final e): mooed; skied;
 * Ending in two or more consonants: depended; pushed; started;
 * Ending in unstressed syllable and one consonant: marketed; numbered; questioned;
 * See exceptions above (program, and verbs ending in "l")
 * Ending in two or more vowels + one consonant: explained; rained;
 * Ending in vowel+y: enjoyed; played;
 * Ending in w or x: showed; taxed;

Irregular spelling
The following regular verbs have an irregular spelling in their past tense
 * benefit - benefited (regular) or benefitted
 * lay - laid
 * outfit - outfitted
 * pay - paid
 * program - programmed
 * retrofit - retrofitted