Why Learning English Irregular Verbs is a Struggle for International Students : Challenges, Statistics, and Solutions

English irregular verbs are verbs that do not follow the standard pattern for verb conjugation. Instead of adding standard endings like “-ed” for the past tense, irregular verbs have unique forms that must be memorized, such as “go/went” and “see/saw”.

The Struggle with English Irregular Verbs

As an international student approaching graduation, I’ve noticed something strange and slightly mind-boggling: English irregular verbs continue to be one of the most challenging aspects of mastering the language for many students worldwide. But why is this the case? Why do these little verb forms, such as “go” (went, gone) or “begin” (began, begun), continue to stump even the most diligent of learners?

Here’s a mind-blowing fact: According to a 2024 study conducted by the British Council, nearly 60% of international students report irregular verbs as their biggest obstacle when it comes to mastering English grammar. The reason? English, unlike many other languages, relies heavily on irregular verbs that do not follow the typical “-ed” past tense pattern. For a non-native speaker, this can feel like memorizing a random set of rules for each verb.

This issue isn’t just about memorization; it’s about the cognitive load placed on students, cultural factors influencing language acquisition, and the rapid pace at which language learning methods evolve.

In this article, we’ll explore why irregular verbs are still a major hurdle for many international students, what research tells us about this challenge, and most importantly, how to overcome it in 2025.

The Language Complexity: English’s Irregular Verb Conundrum

Why Are Irregular Verbs So Challenging?

English has over 200 irregular verbs, and this number continues to evolve. Unlike regular verbs, which follow a straightforward pattern of adding “-ed” to form their past tense (e.g., talk becomes talked), irregular verbs follow their own sets of rules—often with no apparent logic. Consider the verbs sing (sang, sung) or eat (ate, eaten), which break any simple rule.

The main reason why this is such a challenge for international students is that their native languages may not have irregular verbs, or if they do, they may follow different conjugation rules. For example, many Romance languages like Spanish, French, or Italian have regular conjugation patterns for their verbs in different tenses, which makes learning irregular English verbs a stark departure from their usual way of thinking.

A Cognitive Overload

Studies have shown that language learners tend to process irregular verbs more slowly due to their lack of consistent patterns. A 2023 report published by Cambridge University Press found that non-native speakers of English often spend up to 30% more time memorizing and practicing irregular verbs compared to regular verbs. This extra effort takes a toll, particularly when students are also juggling vocabulary, sentence structure, pronunciation, and listening skills.

Social and Cultural Differences: A Barrier for International Students

The Role of Native Language Influence

For international students, the transfer effect from their native language can sometimes hinder their ability to learn English irregular verbs. For instance:

Chinese and Japanese students often struggle with English verb conjugations because their languages do not have tense systems in the same way English does. These languages rely more on context and auxiliary words rather than changing the form of the verb.

Students from Arabic-speaking countries face difficulties with English irregular verbs due to differences in grammatical structure. Arabic has a complex system of verb roots and patterns, which makes irregular English forms feel illogical and confusing.

European students, such as those from Germany or Italy, may find English verb conjugation rules difficult because they may have more regular systems for tense conjugation in their own languages. Irregular forms can seem arbitrary and hard to memorize.

Cultural Factors: Learning Environments

Another key challenge is the difference in educational systems. In many non-English-speaking countries, the focus on English as a foreign language tends to prioritize grammar rules, vocabulary, and pronunciation rather than fluent conversational practice. This can make memorizing irregular verbs feel like an isolated task, rather than part of real-world communication.

Moreover, many international students arrive in English-speaking countries to find that even though they’ve learned grammar rules in school, they are still unable to easily speak or understand native speakers. In the US, for example, over 40% of international students report feeling that their classroom learning does not adequately prepare them for the informal, fast-paced language used in everyday conversations (National Center for Education Statistics, 2024). The gap between academic English and real-world English makes mastering irregular verbs more challenging.

Research Statistics: Why the Struggle is Real

International Student Challenges: What the Research Shows

According to English Profile, a project by Cambridge University Press, students from various countries face common difficulties in acquiring irregular verb forms. Here’s a breakdown of challenges by continent:

• Asia: Students from China, Korea, and Japan report significant struggles with irregular verbs. Research shows that they often misuse irregular verbs even after several years of study due to the absence of a similar structure in their native languages. More than 50% of Asian students studying English at the university level reported feeling overwhelmed by English verb forms in a 2023 survey.

• Europe: European students, particularly those from Germany, Spain, and Italy, struggle with memorization and proper usage of irregular verbs, despite having a better grasp of grammar in other aspects of English. Over 40% of European students cite irregular verbs as a primary challenge.

• Africa: Students from countries where English is widely taught (such as Nigeria or South Africa) face difficulties due to code-switching between local languages and English. They tend to overuse regular forms or attempt to “translate” irregular verbs into their native language structures.

Age and Experience Matter

Research also shows that older students or those who are already proficient in another second language may struggle more with English irregular verbs than younger learners. This is due to cognitive load—older learners often have established language frameworks in their minds, and adapting to a completely new set of rules (like those for irregular verbs) can be difficult.

Solutions to Overcome the Struggles with Irregular Verbs

Use of Technology for Personalized Learning

In 2025, the integration of technology in language learning offers promising solutions. Many language learning apps now offer personalized exercises and games specifically targeting irregular verb forms. For example :

• Anki uses flashcards and algorithms to help students review verb forms regularly, reducing the cognitive load over time.
• Grammarly and other grammar-check tools can highlight mistakes in verb usage, giving immediate feedback.

Collaborative Learning and Peer Support

One of the most effective ways to overcome struggles with irregular verbs is through peer support and collaborative learning. By forming study groups with other international students or native speakers, learners can practice irregular verbs in real-life contexts, such as role-playing or creating stories.

Contextual Learning: Using Irregular Verbs in Real-Life Situations

Contextual learning is a powerful method. Rather than just memorizing lists of verbs, students should aim to use these verbs in real-life scenarios. For instance :

• Storytelling: Writing short stories or daily journals using irregular verbs can reinforce learning.
• Listening and Watching Media: Exposure to movies, podcasts, or YouTube videos in English helps learners hear the verbs used in context, which aids retention.

Three Best Pieces of Advice for Mastering Irregular Verbs in 2025

Focus on Frequency, Not Quantity

Rather than trying to memorize all irregular verbs at once, focus on the most common ones used in everyday English. Start with the top 20-30 irregular verbs that appear frequently in conversation and writing.

Practice with Flashcards

Create digital flashcards using apps like Quizlet or Anki to test yourself on the correct past tense forms of irregular verbs. The repetition will help reinforce your memory.

Speak and Write Regularly

The more you use the irregular verbs in real-life conversations and writing, the better you will remember them. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; practice is key !

Overcoming the Challenge of Irregular Verbs this Year

As an international student about to graduate, I can confidently say that mastering English irregular verbs is not an easy task, but it is absolutely achievable with the right tools and mindset. Whether through technology-assisted learning, peer collaboration, or contextual practice, there are numerous ways to overcome this challenge and become more confident in using these tricky verbs.

If you’re struggling with irregular verbs this year, know that you’re not alone—and that overcoming this challenge will lead to greater fluency in English. Keep practicing, stay patient, and use these resources and strategies to your advantage !

Are you an international student also struggling with English irregular verbs? What strategies have worked for you? Share your tips in the comments below and let’s help each other succeed in mastering English!