Outsmarting Tricky Verbs

“Cringe Verbs”

Have you ever said any of these words? You might be surprised that none of them are even words! They are all errors. See if you know the correct forms.

Incorrect 

• Attackted
• Brung
• Busted
• Clumb
• Creeped
• Drownded
• Et
• Aten
• Growed
• Snuck
• Stoled
• Throwed
• Thunk
• Drug

Correct

• Attacked
• Brought
• Burst/Broke
• Climbed
• Crept
• Drowned
• Ate
• Eaten
• Grew
• Sneaked
• Stole
• Threw
• Thought
• Dragged

Even Trickier Verbs

Sit or Set?

The verb sit means “to be seated.” The verb sit does not require an object.

1. Ella sits toward the back.
2. Elizabeth is sitting near her.
3. She sat there last year.

The verb set means “to put or place something.” The verb set usually requires an object.

1. Set your watch on the dresser.
2. Allison is setting the table.
3. She set the basket on the floor.

The objects of the sentences are Watch, Table, and Basket.

Rise or Raise?

The verb rise means “to go up” or “to get up.” The verb rise never requires an object.

1. We watched the sun rise above the horizon.
2. The sun is rising above the horizon.
3. The sun rose at its appointed time.

The verb raise means “to lift something” or “to push up something.” The verb raise usually requires an object.

1. Raise your hand if you have a question.
2. Katie is raising her hand.
3. Justin raised his hand awhile ago.

The object in these sentences are Hand.

Other troublesome verbs are Lie vs Lay, Let vs Leave, Can vs May, and Learn vs Teach. Hard work will help you outsmart these tricky verbs!

Please comment below with any questions or tips to use the correct form of a tricky word form.