“Split” Past Tense and Other Irregular Verbs

Generally, the English language is robust, flexible, and elaborate. But over the centuries, it has been cobbled together with strong influences and additions from other languages such as French, Latin, German, etc.

Because “d” and “t” are so close in sound, some irregular verbs were merged in people’s speech. For instance, “splitted,” but the grammatically correct word for split past tense form is “split.”

Irregular verbs generally don’t form their simple past tense or past participle by adding “-d” or “-ed” to their stem word. They do not comply with the regular grammatical rules. “Split” is a major example.

Past tense and past participle of split

“Split” is one of the irregular verbs, and its accepted variations include splitting, split, and splits. “Splitted” shouldn’t be used! The split past tense form remains “split.” We can only use “splitted” in slang, jargon, or perhaps speech lines from music pieces or characters in stories. Also, the split participle form remains split.

Examples

Present: Every evening, I split wood with my young brother.

Past: Last week, I split wood with my young brother.

Present perfect: I have split wood with my younger brother for several years now.

Although multiple verbs end in “t” that are regular, such as fit/fitted, admit/admitted, etc. but “split” isn’t one of them. It’s an irregular verb. “Splitted” is an archaic or nonstandard word of the past tense of “split.” Even when typed, it’s underlined in red, meaning that it’s technically incorrect. “Split” is the best and most recommended word to use rather than the slang word “splitted.”

10 most common irregular verbs

There is a long list of irregular verbs in the English language that includes about 450 verbs (but 190 of them are frequently used). Online English teaching platforms like LiveXP can help you learn and practice irregular verbs or any other grammar topic easily with a tutor in 1-on-1 lessons.

Here are 10 most common irregular verbs:

Split — split — split

Stink — stank — stunk

Wake up — woke up — waked up, woken up

Drink — drank — drunk

Swim — swam — swum

Wet — wet — wet

See — saw — seen

Run — ran — run

Sing — sang — sung

Fall — fell — fallen

Lead — led — led