Search from various English teachers...
[Deleted]
Why is there no the third-person singular on the words 'burst'? Why is there no the third-person singular on the words 'burst'? For example: (1)‘For heavens' sake! ’ he burst out. (2)Karen burst out laughing . (3)everyone burst out laughing. on these sentences, there is "he", "karen", "everyone", all of these words are the third-person singular. But why it uses "burst" on these sentences, why do not use "bursts" the third-person singular? I am very confused about 'burst' this words

Corrections · 4

1

Hi MingYou, 

The word "burst" is tricky because its form in the present and past is the same. We don't tend to change the form of the past-tense verb to agree with person and plurality in English (except for the verb "to be"), so the examples that you've given are in the past tense.

Let's look at an easy example: the word "eat".

(i) She eats an apple.

(ii) They eat apples.

The form of the verb changes depending on the subject when we're talking in present tense.

But look at the past tense forms:

(i) She ate an apple.

(ii) They ate apples.

They're the same on the surface.

With the word "burst", you would only see "bursts" used if the sentence is in the present tense (and only with the third-person singular). 

Have a look at these links: 

http://www.verbix.com/webverbix/English/burst.html

http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/irregular-verbs/burst.html




Want to progress faster?

Join this learning community and try out free exercises!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!

Start Learning Today