PRETERITE PRESENT VERB Meaning and
Definition
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A preterite present verb, also known as an anomalous or irregular verb, is a verb that exhibits an irregular conjugation, typically associated with medieval or archaic English. This type of verb does not follow the regular pattern of verb inflection and conjugation based on tense, mood, person, or number. Instead, it maintains the same form for all persons, both singular and plural, as well as across different tenses.
The term "preterite present" refers to the fact that these verbs are conjugated in the present tense but appear to have the root form derived from the preterite tense (past tense form) in regular verbs. Verbs in the preterite present category typically originated from Old English or other Germanic languages, and over time, their conjugation remained largely unchanged. Examples of preterite present verbs include "can" (to be able), "shall" (to command or indicate future action), and "may" (to be allowed or possible).
The irregular nature of preterite present verbs can be identified by the lack of expected suffixes or changes in root forms that are common in regular English verb conjugation. Moreover, their meaning and usage often differ from regular verbs. While the term "preterite present" may not be commonly used in contemporary grammar discussions, understanding these verbs and their peculiar conjugation patterns is important for comprehending and employing archaic or historical English texts.
