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Explaining an irregular verb (spread)

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Latest post Mon, Nov 3 2008 11:40 AM by Mister Micawber. 1 replies.
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Anonymous  +  583074 Mon, 03 Nov 08 05:04 AM
Hello,

Can someone please tell me how do I explain to an ESL how to use the irregular verb spread. For example, the simple present tense is (to) spread and the past tense is spread. For example, if someone says "I spread rumors," how does one know if you are talking about in general or the past tense? Does one need to need an adverbial phrase like "all the time"  or do I need an adverb of frequency such as "often," "regularly," etc. to denote that I am referring to the present?

Thank you in advance for anyone who can help me with this question.

Simon
Anonymous
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Mister Micawber  +  583156 Mon, 03 Nov 08 11:40 AM
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The primary determinant is context, Simon.  In a real conversation, it would usually be obvious without further defining words:

A:  What's your job, Pheme?
P:  I spread rumours.


B:  What did they arrest you for, Pheme?
P:  I spread rumours.


Therefore, you cannot tell your students that an adverb or other cue is necessary.  In isolated sentences for class quizzes, etc, of course, some sort of indicating word would be needed-- as with regular verbs-- so that the student can decide what form s/he should put in the blank.
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Mister Micawber
Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004
Yokohama
Veteran Member 30,501
'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'
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