Homework Help: Questions and Answers: She didn’t knew the answer to the question during the exam. Error Correction.
Answer
This is a common mistake in English grammar. The error happens when the past tense auxiliary verb did is used along with a past tense main verb (knew). In English, when using did (the past form of ‘do’), the main verb must always be in its base form (present tense).
Why is it Wrong?
- Did is already in the past tense, so the main verb does not need to be in the past tense.
- The correct structure is: did + base verb.
Correct Form:
- Incorrect: She didn’t knew…
- Correct: She didn’t know…
More Examples:
Incorrect: I didn’t went to school yesterday.
Correct: I didn’t go to school yesterday.
Incorrect: He didn’t ate breakfast this morning.
Correct: He didn’t eat breakfast this morning.
Incorrect: They didn’t played football last weekend.
Correct: They didn’t play football last weekend.
Key Rule to Remember:
Whenever you use did (for past tense), the next verb must always be in its base form, not in the past tense.
- Did + base verb
(Did go, Did eat, Did play, Did know)
Quick Tips to Avoid This Error:
- Identify the helping verb (did) in the sentence.
- Always use the base form of the main verb after did.
- Remember that did already indicates the past, so you don’t need to change the main verb.
By mastering this simple rule, you can improve your English grammar and avoid common errors in writing and speaking.
Practice Exercise: Correct the following sentences:
- She didn’t watched the movie.
- I didn’t visited my friend.
- They didn’t completed the project.
(Answers: 1. watch, 2. visit, 3. complete)
This guide helps you understand and correct the common error of using past tense verbs after did. Practice regularly and improve your English grammar skills effortlessly!
