The Rule of the First Verb


When you put two (or more) verbs together in a sentence,
Example:

She doesn't attempt hard things.
I need to improve my spelling.
They can't stand being wrong.


And you decide that you want your sentence to be in the past tense,
CHANGE ONLY THE FIRST VERB.
Don't make any changes in the second (or third) verb.

Example:
She didn't attempt hard things.
I needed to improve my spelling.
They couldn't stand being wrong.

Right or Wrong?

Decide which of these sentences to not follow the rule of the first verb. When you find a mistake, try to think of how to correct it. Then use the drop-down boxes to check your answers.


  1. My mother didn't had an opportunity to study in high school.

  2. I didn't said anything to the people who were bothering me.

  3. They intended to study six hours for the examination.

  4. Because I wanted to go to college, I had to followed my father's orders.

  5. He decided gave up his career because he disagreed with the political party that was in power.

  6. When I was growing up, I couldn't disobey my parents.

  7. I didn't mind staying home because there was my family that I could talked to.


A. Staben
CLC Writing Center