Read - irregular verb: usage patterns, pronunciation and examples

This article is dedicated to answering questions regarding the word "to read". Right or wrong verb? What are the features of pronunciation? What stable expressions are used in?

Writing, pronunciation and translation options

The most common translation options are as follows:

• read (read, count, re-read);
• read;
• to interpret;
• show;
• to study.

When writing a verb in Past Simple and Past Participle is no different from the infinitive. The difference is noticeable only in spoken language, since the irregular form of the verb read (both the second and the third) sounds like [red]. In the infinitive, the word reads as [ri: d].

Persistent expressions

In English, there are many designs that are used unchanged. Most of them are idioms and idioms. The following are a few expressions:

• to ~ somebody like a book - see someone through;
• to ~ smb's thoughts / mind - read someone's thoughts;
• to ~ the Riot Act - reprimand, scam, scam ( open );
• to ~ between the lines - read between lines.

Phrasal verbs

In addition to the expressions mentioned in the previous section, read is an irregular verb that is sometimes used in conjunction with postpositions (prepositions or adverbs). The resulting construct is called phrasal verb.

This table presents both phrasal verbs and common phrases with prepositions.

Read - irregular verb, usage examples

Despite the fact that the above word is easy to remember and make part of its active vocabulary, some beginners have difficulty reading. There may be confusion in pronunciation, because read is an irregular verb, the second and third form of which do not differ in writing, but sound differently. In order to pronounce correctly, it is necessary to grasp the context and determine the temporary form. As a workout, read the following sentences:

• I have read about it in the newspaper. - I read about it in the newspaper.
• Do you mind reading the message back? “Can you read the message again?”
• If it's a letter from my friend, please, read it out. “If this letter is from my friend, please read it out loud.”
• She took two letters and read the through again. - She took two letters and looked through them again.
• I want to read up on recent developments. “I want to study the latest research.”
• I can't read your mind. “I can't read your mind.”
• My best friend can read me like a book. “My best friend sees right through me.”
• I like literature and I'm going to read a lot of interesting books next year. - I love literature and am going to read many interesting books next year.
• Read this article catefully. - Read this article carefully.
• Having read the newspaper my father went to sleep. - After reading the newspaper, my dad went to sleep.

Note : the verb have may indicate that the sentence uses the irregular verb read (form 3). In addition, this form is used in a passive voice.

• This book is read by me. - This book is read by me.
• The magazine "National Geographic" is read in the whole world. - The magazine "National Geography" is read all over the world.

In addition to reading, try to come up with your own phrases, taking into account the correct pronunciation. Since read is an irregular verb that has its own characteristics, its use should be brought to automatism, and this will require practice.

Vocabulary expansion

One of the effective ways to increase the vocabulary is to supplement the well-known word with the same root, similar in meaning and spelling. Grouped elements are remembered much easier than a list of disparate, unrelated lexical units. In addition, knowledge of the structure and principles of the formation of words helps to understand the meaning. Read is an irregular verb from which the following words and phrases are formed:

• readability - readability;
• readable - well written, easy to read;
• reader - reader;
• reading - reading;
• reading desk - music stand;
• reading glass - magnifying glass;
• reading lamp - table lamp;
• reading room - reading room.

But it should not be confused with some similar words, such as ready - ready, readily - without delay, readiness - readiness.

Any topic of the English language, whether it is grammar rules or a list of new vocabulary, is pretty easy to learn. However, you should take care of properly selected training materials and regularity of classes. In order to achieve success in learning any foreign language, you should devote daily time to familiarizing yourself with new material or repeating the course. The topic "Read is an irregular verb and the peculiarities of its use" is one of the simplest, so understanding and remembering will not cause difficulties even for beginner students.