past -ed

Rule Core

The -ed past tense marks regular verbs and follows three phonetic outcomes: /t/, /d/, and /ɪd/. The choice depends on the final sound, not the spelling. After voiceless consonants, -ed = /t/; after voiced sounds and vowels, /d/; after /t/ or /d/, add a syllable /ɪd/.

Articulation Guide

• /t/: tongue to alveolar ridge, no voicing, sharp release.
• /d/: same tongue position, with voicing.
• /ɪd/: short /ɪ/ plus /d/, forming an extra syllable.

Word Analysis

• detached: ends with /tʃ/ (voiceless), pronounced /dɪˈtætʃt/.
• encyclopedia: a noun, not a past tense form—no -ed rule applies.
• food: a noun; included to contrast non-verbal endings.

Pitfalls

Do not rely on letters; always analyze the final phoneme. Avoid overusing /ɪd/.