-d
suffix
UK/d/US/d/
Denotes the past tense of regular verbs in English or a participle form, usually attached to verbs ending in a vowel sound.
Example Sentences
The suffix -d is used to form the past tense of regular verbs ending in vowels.
For example, the verb 'love' becomes 'loved' in the past tense.
Words like 'spare' become 'spared' when the suffix -d is applied.
The -d suffix is phonetically consistent with verbs ending in vowel sounds.
Regular past tense verbs either end in -ed or -d, depending on the root word.
Words ending in a silent -e typically take only -d to form the past tense.
Verbs like 'hope' change to 'hoped' without altering their pronunciation structure.
The suffix -d is integral to the grammatical structure of English verbs.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix used to form the past tense or past participle of verbs.The suffix '-d' is typically added to regular verbs to indicate the past tense or past participle in English. For example, 'play' becomes 'played,' and 'move' becomes 'moved.' When a verb ends in 'e,' only '-d' is added; for others, '-ed' is added. This suffix marks completed actions or states in both spoken and written language. In writing, ensure the correct application of '-d' to maintain grammatical accuracy.
Alternatives
No direct alternative exists for '-d' as it is a grammatical marker. However, irregular verbs have unique past forms that do not use '-d,' such as 'go' becoming 'went.'
Writing
In writing, '-d' is crucial for verb conjugation and proper tense usage. Its omission or incorrect application can lead to confusion. Double-check verb forms to ensure they align with the intended tense.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-d' is inherently understood as part of speech and requires no additional explanation. Its use naturally indicates past actions without explicit focus on grammar.
Etymology
The suffix '-d' traces back to Old English verb conjugation patterns. Over time, it evolved into a regular past-tense marker for weak (regular) verbs, distinguishing them from irregular verbs with unique conjugations.
