Reading & Writing English: Words Ending In "D"

The different sounds that the letter"d" takes at the end of a verb in the past tense

An extract from the book: Word Power by the author of this article.

The English language indicates that the action of the verb is in the past by having some form of the "d" or "t" sound end the word. We say some kind of "d" or "t" sound although the word is almost always written with a "d".

Many people who learn English are so confused by the irregular forms of the verbs that they give up and invent their own ways of referring to the past. Some say: "Yesterday I walk to work" or other ways to avoid using the past tense that they have never learned.

Sure, there are irregular words in English. The past of teach is taught; the past of buy is bought; the past of think is thought. But even these irregular words end in some kind of a "t" sound to indicate that the verb refers to the past. Luckily, there aren't too many of these irregular verbs. You just have to learn them. The good thing is that they behave more or less the same way.

But let's look at the regular verbs. Most English verbs are regular. To indicate the past, they put some kind of a sound made with the tongue touching the back of the upper teeth. Almost always it is the sound of a "d" or of a "t".

The ending of the verb "love" in the past: "I loved the movie" is very different from the ending of the verb "walk": "I walked to work." When it sounds like the letter "d", it is a voiced sound, that is the vocal cords vibrate. When it sounds like a "t", it is a voiceless or an unvoiced sound.

But how do you know when it should end with a voiced "d" sound and when with a voiceless "t" sound? Although you may not believe it, there is a "rule" that will help you to form the past of most English verbs. You may still make some mistakes but little by little you will feel the mistakes and will correct them. The structure of your mouth will force you to make the right sound.

The "rule" for the formation of the past is similar to the "rule" for the "s" at the end of plural nouns and verbs in the third person singlular of the present tense.

The rule of the "d" in three parts:

There is a one simple "rule" that covers the pronunciation of the "d" and "t" sounds.

The sound that indicates the past of the verb is the voiceless "t" sound when the verb ends in a voiceless consonant. On the other hand, the indication of the past is the voiced "d" sound when the verb ends in a voiced consonant.

The three parts of the rule are:

1. the voiceless "t" sound,
2. the voiced "d" sound,
3. the added syllable.

1. The voiceless (unvoiced) "t":

The "rule" tells us when the last sound of a verb is is like that of the words talk, cap, mess, etc (that is, a voiceless sound), the past of the verb ends with a voiceless (or unvoiced) sound like that of the word walked. The past of these verbs is talked, capped, messed and the "d" is unvoiced.

For example the letter "d" that represents the past in the written word is pronounced like the "t" of Tom (a voiceless sound) when the verb ends in a voiceless sound. So when the verb ends in voiceless sounds such as the letters k in the word looked, p in the word stopped, f in the word cuffed (or gh in the word laughed) the past is indicated by the voiceless "t" sound. This always happens so don't be fooled by the written letter "d".

The past tense of the verb is also indicated by a voiceless sound when the verb ends in any "hissing" sound such as the words: face, wash, crunch. All these sounds are voiceless so the verbs that end with them will always have the "d" of their past form sounded voicelessly and therefore become the forms faced, washed, crunched.

It is important to note that although the voiceless "d" is written "ed", you do NOT add a syllable to the original word.

2. The voiced "d":

The "d" is voiced in two situations:

a. when the word ends in a vowel sound such as, played, teed, owed, cued.

The "strange" vowels are also followed by a voiced "d" such as in the words: furred, papered, pawed. The past of verbs ending in a diphthong sound also end in a voiced "d" sound, for example in the words: plowed, paid, toyed .

b. when the word ends in a voiced consonant.

Some examples of the second case are: b as in the word robbed, n in the word drowned, l in the word mailed, g in the word logged, v in the word heaved, m n the word farmed, n as in the word panned, thesoundof the letters ng as in the word ring, r as in the word cars, v as in the word stoves, and thin the word bathed.

Remember that that the voiced "d" sound forms the past of verbs that end in a voiced consonant, for example, burned is the past of the verb burn and lovedis the past of love.

It is important to note that although the voiced "d" in these words is written with "ed", you do NOT add an extra syllable.

3. The added syllable

In both cases, when the verb ends in either the sound of the voiced "d" or the sound of the voiceless "t", the English language adds a syllable to the verb.

For example, the verbs in the present tense visit, vote, side, need, plant, adopt, add "ed" to make the past tense and become visited, voted, sided, needed, planted, adopted.

The "ed" is pronounced with a special vowel followed by a voiced "d". The special vowel is the "short i" which has the IPA symbol of the small capital "i". We treat this sound in the book in the chapter on the short vowels. Remember a ship is not a sheep. You have to be able to hear the difference to be able to use this vowel in the added syllable.

It is only in this special case that you pronounce the second syllable of the past of a verb. Not all verbs have two syllables in the past. It is important that you realize that most common English verbs have only one syllable. Do not think that you have to pronounce the "ed" of the words such as walked, talked, played, tuned, tooled. Do not read these words as they were written in your language.

Although many verbs have "ed" in their past, it is just a strange note of English spelling. You often only pronounce one syllable with the past indicated by a voiced "d" or an unvoiced "t" according to which sound preceded the ending.

You only pronounce the "ed" when the root form of the verb ends with your tongue touching the back of your teeth, either with a voiced "d" sound or with an unvoiced "t" sound. For example, "Today, I heat the coffee but yesterday I heated it" (2 syllables because the last consonant is a "t"). But, "Today I talk to my friend but yesterday I talked on the phone." (one syllable because the last consonant is not a "t" or a "d")

The extra syllable: Listen to this as often as necessary for you to be able to distinguish the unvoiced "t" from the voiced "d".

Review and practice all parts of the "RULE"!
The first part of the "rule": the voiceless "t";
The second part of the "rule": the voiced "d" :
The third part of the "rule": the added syllable

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Does the American government see its citizens as its children?

In Americas 230 year history the government seems to have forgotten that there job is to run the government as the people see as best and not the government telling the people what is best for them.

The most recent example is the Internet gambling Ban signed into law last week by President Bush. The bill makes it illegal for banks and credit card companies to transfer money to casinos for the purpose of wagering on sports or games of chance, like roulette, blackjack and poker.

These games are harmlessly enjoyed regularly by millions of Americans everyday, but some people become addicted to these games so the government is telling all of its citizens that no one is allowed to play these games in an online casino.

This is not the first case of the government going against the wishes of the people, in the early 1900's the government decided that the consumption of Alcohol should be banned, because some people were developing health and mental problems related to drinking too much. So rather then educating the people on the ill effects of prolonged Alcohol abuse the American government banned Alcohol.

But instead of reducing the consumption of Alcoholic beverages it increased, and because the government was not allowing the production or importing of Alcohol, organized grime got into the moonshine business, and eventually the Government saw the error of their decision and repealed the law.

Another great example of a failed policy to protect the people is the war on drugs that the government has been aging since the early 1980's Billions of tax dollars a year goes into the war on drugs, but what are the results?

The price of drugs has risen, and to support their habits many drug addicts have had to commit acts of robbery and murder to get their drugs. The American prisons are packed full of people whose only crime was possession of these illegal drugs.

Instead of being an industry that is regulated and controlled you have people selling these drugs to kids in school playgrounds, and shooting each other to protect their territory.

Had the government decided not to criminalize drugs but make it a heavily controlled industry, they could use the tax money for social programs like schools ad to give Americans universal health care.

Please do not misunderstand me I am not in favor for legalizing hard drugs, but the current system is not working at all, but I am all in favor for legalizing online casino gambling.

If I choose to play some hands of blackjack or poker from the comfort of my home what rights does the government have to tell me not to, and what sense does it make that I can not play in a casino over the internet, but I can drive down the street to the local casino and play there.

To enforce this ban millions if not billions of dollars of software and computer hardware will be needed to monitor all of the banks transactions and that money will come from taxes instead of the government taxing online casinos or even having all the online casinos government controlled then they get all the profits to be used to improve the lives of the American citizens, millions of which are bellow the poverty line if not homeless.

The American government needs to start re-thinking its policy of treating its citizens like small children, or the American people need to demand a new government.

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10 Steps To Save Your Retirement

Many of the brightest and hardest-working marketing and advertising people in the country are obsessed with getting you to spend money and, if necessary, to go into debt to do so. Absolutely all the media that reach you every day are designed to get you to spend money. In order to save money in this environment, you will need determination to withstand the constant pressures to spend now.

What is it that separates those who are successful from those who are not?

Successful individuals have a strong personal vision of what they want and why they want it. That vision gives them the strength to stick to their strategies even when doing so is uncomfortable. It gives them the determination to persist when they are discouraged. This is the same characteristic of women entrepreneurs and is the reason their new, small businesses are successful.

The 401k Plan

Today, the 401(k) plan has become the main investment vehicle for working women to save for retirement. But many don't take full advantage of their plan, and this could leave them with a lot less at retirement. Here are some steps we believe you can take to improve and eliminate any retirement worries about whether or not your retirement will be pleasurable or public charity; or whether you will have all the free time to spend with your family or friends.

1. Increase your contributions to the maximum that you can manage. Many women contribute just enough to take advantage of their employer's matching contributions, and then they stop. By adding more to your account, beyond the matching contributions, you'll end up with more in retirement.

2. Invest at the start of each year instead of taking a little bit out of each paycheck. Nothing in the law says you have to invest in a 401(k) plan a little at a time, from each paycheck. By investing early, you'll put your money to work sooner for your benefit.

3. A few years ago it was reported that more than 30 percent of the money in 401(k) plans was invested in money-market funds or similar accounts. For investors nearing retirement, that may be appropriate. But most workers in their 40's and 50's need growth in their retirement investments. Put more of your investment fund in equities and less in money-market funds.

4. Research indicates that over long periods of time, small-company stocks outperform large-company stocks. Since 1926, In the equity part of your portfolio, shift some of your money into funds that invest in small companies. Don't put your entire equity portfolio in small-company stocks. But consider investing at least 25 percent of your U.S. equity investments in that fund.

5. Numerous studies have shown that value stocks outperform growth stocks. According to data going back to 1964, large U.S. value companies had a compound rate of return of 15.1 percent vs. only 11.4 percent for large U.S. growth companies. Among small U.S. companies, the difference was even more striking: a compound return of 17.4 percent for the value stocks vs. 12.1 percent for the growth stocks. Don't put your entire equity portfolio into value stocks. But if there's a value fund available to you, consider investing at least 25 percent of your U.S. equity investments in that fund.

6.Rebalance your portfolio once a year. Your asset allocation plan calls for a certain percentage to be invested in each of several kinds of assets. Rebalancing restores your asset balance and allows for the possibility that last year's losers may be this year's gainers. Diluting your diversification actually increases risk in your portfolio over time, which is a result that's just the opposite of what most investors want.

7.Without compromising proper asset allocation– use the funds in your plan that have the lowest operating expenses. Choose funds with low turnover in their portfolios.

8. Don't borrow or make early withdrawals from your 401(k) unless that is the only way to respond to a life-threatening emergency. Furthermore, if you take an early withdrawal before you are 59.5 years old, your withdrawals will be subject to a 10 percent tax penalty (in addition to regular taxes) unless you are disabled. Just don't do it.

9. If you leave your job, you'll get a chance to roll over your 401(k) into an IRA. Take that chance. In an IRA, you have the same tax deferral as a 401(k), and you'll have the flexibility to invest in virtually everything you can get in a 401(k), plus much more.

10. Here's the most important thing you can do to maximize your 401(k): Keep your contributions automatically payroll deducted, and make them no matter what. It's simple, but it's not easy. Half of the households in the United States have net worth of $25,000 or less. In a typical year, about two-thirds of U.S. households do not save money.

Remember, to be successful, first, imagine your early retirement; the Caribbean condo, the yacht, the new Lexus. Luxury and pleasure as far as your eyes can see. Create a strong vision, and then don't let go. The power of a clear, strong vision applies to more than just your retirement savings. Let your vision shape your life, instead of the other way around, and all of the time in the world can be yours. You won't be spending your Golden Years working at the Golden Arches.

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Full Service versus Discount Stock Brokers

Investing in the stock market has become more popular than ever. And especially since brokerage services now offer Internet transactions that can be placed from home, work, or from the local cyber café; individuals have begun investing for themselves without the help of a full-service broker. But many find that they either don't have the time to properly research their stock picks, or they lack the expertise needed to successfully trade the market. For those who want professional help, there are both full and discount service brokers.

The traditional full service stockbroker does more than simply buy and sell stocks for clients. A qualified full service broker will also act as a financial advisor, to help clients choose stocks that are appropriate for their particular needs and investment goals. For example, a full service broker may recommend steady, dependable stocks that pay a quarterly dividend to someone who is on a fixed retirement income. To a younger person trying to grow savings into a nest egg, a broker might take a more aggressive approach, and recommend stocks that carry more risk but also have more upside potential, like small companies in new and revolutionary technical industries. The full service broker will evaluate a person's entire financial situation, and then help pick stocks to enhance one's portfolio. Each time a stock is bought or sold, the broker also handles every detail of the actual transaction, by calling in the order and following up to ensure that it was properly executed. A full service broker is in charge of the day-to-day technical details of buying and selling, but is also a professional who gives stock market advice and educates customers about stock market strategies.<

The discount broker, on the other hand, may be equally qualified, but does not dispense any advice to customers. Even if the discount broker can see that a client could use some guidance and personal advice, he or she will refrain from playing that role and will only follow the client's orders to buy or sell specific stocks. In other words, these brokers will assist in doing the technical tasks involved in participating in the major stock exchanges – something that ordinary consumers can't do because it requires training, licensing, and certification. But if you are confident that you can make your own stock market decisions without anyone's oversight, a discount broker can execute your trades. Because they are not responsible for picking successful stocks for you, they don't charge as much money. A full service broker charges for doing research and giving professional advice, in addition to other brokerage duties. But a discount broker only charges for basic buying and selling services.

Discount brokers charge a fraction of what full service brokers charge, and they are a good and economical choice for those who prefer to do their own research and analysis of the stock market. But you don't have to limit yourself to one or the other. Many investors use both types of brokers. They may have part of their portfolio of investments under the care of a full service broker, and then trade other stocks on their own, through a discount broker.

Choose one – or one of each – for your own stock market transactions, and see which works best for you once all the fees are paid and you have a chance to evaluate the wisdom the stock picks made by your broker and by yourself.

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Shopping for Affordable Health Insurance is Easier Online

Thanks to the Internet, it's easy to find a wealth of important information online; thousands of sites offer to sell you an affordable health insurance plan with just one or two clicks. This means that buying a health insurance plan for you, your family or your business is simpler than ever.

But getting health insurance quotes or buying a health insurance plan online requires more discernment than other online purchases. Insurance purchases require an exchange of a great amount of personal information, making it important to find a trustworthy insurance company or broker.

To begin with, it's a good idea to research the company that will be receiving your personal information. Find one that is up-to-date, utilizing the state-of-the-art privacy technology. Find out if they sell, trade, or give away your information to anyone; the health insurance advisor or counselor you're working with should know if the company engages in these practices. Be certain you read the 'Privacy Policy' disclosure, which covers the confidentiality of all of your data. Reputable companies will have a 'Contact Us' link, usually on the top or bottom of the page, to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Another very important task is to learn if the person guiding you through your insurance options is a licensed health insurance agent. These agents can provide you with personal advice as you make your decision for affordable health insurance; they can also guide you through the application process. A licensed health insurance agent must follow strict guidelines mandated by the insurance companies they represent and your state's department of insurance. It's also very important to obtain the state license number from the health insurance agent assisting you.

Don't forget to ask for any phone numbers you may need later, even if you don't think you'll need to call the agent back. Most credible sites will not try not to hide any part of this information. The easier it is to find this information, the better-you may have questions later that you haven't thought of. And on the phone, courteous service is a good indicator of the quality of any health insurance resource.

One final feature to look for in your search for insurance online is a seal of approval from a professional organization. You should only request affordable health insurance quotes from web sites endorsed from an association like the Independent Health Insurance Agent Association.

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