Expert: Carol Pozefsky - 7/29/2009

Question
Why are the forms of the verb "read" pronounced in different ways? The answers like "due to the historical tradition"  do not work with adult students. Help, please!

Answer
Hello, I hope you're having a fine day,
    The forms of the verb read are pronounced differently to denote different verbal tenses.
If you were to say I read the book each day, and wanted to convey the present tense, read would be pronounced 'reed'.  If you were to say I read the book each day, and wanted to convey the past tense, read would be pronounced 'red'.  This is true for all forms of the verb .
I am reading the book today. (pronounced 'reed'.)  He read the book yesterday. (pronounced 'red')
    I hope this is helpful.
    The best to you always,   Carol P.