Past Simple -ed Pronunciation Rules

Regular Past Simple verbs end in -ed, but we pronounce -ed in three different ways.

1. /t/

Use /t/ after voiceless sounds, except /t/.

Examples: worked, watched, washed, laughed

2. /d/

Use /d/ after voiced sounds and vowel sounds, except /d/.

Examples: played, cleaned, called, lived

3. /ɪd/

Use /ɪd/ after /t/ or /d/ sounds.

It adds an extra syllable.

Examples: wanted, needed, started, decided

Remember: Look at the final sound, not the final letter.