Toddler Confusing Verb Tenses
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published ASHA, AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Speech and communication milestones vary widely, and worries about toddler confusing verb tenses, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Verb tense errors are one of the most common and normal grammar mistakes in young children. Toddlers often over-regularize, saying "goed" instead of "went" or "runned" instead of "ran," because they are actively learning and applying grammar rules. These errors typically resolve by age 4 to 5 without intervention.
Key takeaways
- Verb tense errors are one of the most common and normal grammar mistakes in young children. Toddlers often over-regularize, saying "goed" instead of "went" or "runned" instead of "ran," because they are actively learning and applying grammar rules. These errors typically resolve by age 4 to 5 without intervention.
- Usually normal when: Your toddler over-regularizes irregular verbs by saying things like "goed" or "bringed"
- Call your doctor if: Your child was using verb tenses correctly and has regressed to using only base forms
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to ASHA, AAP, NIH guidelines, verb tense errors are one of the most common and normal grammar mistakes in young children. Toddlers often over-regularize, saying "goed" instead of "went" or "runned" instead of "ran," because they are actively learning and applying grammar rules. These errors typically resolve by age 4 to 5 without intervention. At 18-24 months, children are primarily using present-tense verbs and base forms. Past tense and future tense have not developed yet. Verb use is very basic, and tense errors are not a concern at this age. It is generally considered normal when your toddler over-regularizes irregular verbs by saying things like "goed" or "bringed". However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child was using verb tenses correctly and has regressed to using only base forms.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
18-24 months
Children are primarily using present-tense verbs and base forms. Past tense and future tense have not developed yet. Verb use is very basic, and tense errors are not a concern at this age.
24-30 months
The present progressive -ing form appears, such as "running" or "eating." Regular past tense -ed may begin to emerge. Over-regularization errors like "eated" or "goed" start appearing and are actually a positive sign of grammar learning.
30-36 months
Children use past tense more frequently but errors with irregular forms are common. "I falled down" or "She bringed it" are typical examples. These errors show your child is applying grammatical rules systematically, which is an important cognitive achievement.
3-4 years
Verb tense use becomes more accurate with regular verbs. Irregular verb errors persist and are normal. Children may switch tenses within a narrative, which is also typical at this age. Gradual improvement is expected.
4-5 years
Most children master regular verb tenses and many irregular forms. Some irregular verbs may still be challenging. If your child is consistently unable to use any past tense forms by age 5, a language evaluation may be warranted.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed toddler confusing verb tenses and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child is over 4 years and consistently uses no verb tense markers at all.
- Mention if your child does not seem to understand the concept of past versus present when you speak.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your toddler over-regularizes irregular verbs by saying things like "goed" or "bringed"
- Your toddler switches between correct and incorrect verb forms, showing they are learning
- Your toddler uses present tense for past events, like saying "I go to the park" about yesterday
- Your preschooler still makes occasional errors with tricky irregular verbs like "brought" or "caught"
- Your child is over 4 years and consistently uses no verb tense markers at all
- Your child does not seem to understand the concept of past versus present when you speak
- Your child's verb tense difficulties are part of broader grammar and language delays
- Your child was using verb tenses correctly and has regressed to using only base forms
- Your child is over 5 years and cannot produce any past tense forms despite being taught
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice toddler confusing verb tenses — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your toddler over-regularizes irregular verbs by saying things like "goed" or "bringed" — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 18-24 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Talk, read, and sing to your baby frequently. Narrate daily activities to build language exposure.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child was using verb tenses correctly and has regressed to using only base forms.
Related Conditions
Toddler's Grammar Errors Not Improving
Grammar errors are a completely normal part of language development in toddlers and preschoolers. Children naturally say things like "I goed" or "him is big" as they learn grammar rules. Most grammar errors resolve by age 4 to 5. If errors persist beyond age 5 or if your child uses very limited grammar for their age, a speech-language evaluation may be helpful.
Child Not Using Past Tense
Past tense is one of the later grammar skills to develop. Most children begin using regular past tense (adding "-ed" to verbs) between ages 2.5 and 3.5, and irregular past tense (like "went," "ate," "fell") takes even longer. It's completely normal for a 3-year-old to say "I goed to the park" - this over-regularization actually shows they're learning grammar rules. Don't worry about past tense errors until well past age 4.
Toddler Dropping Articles and Small Words
Omitting small grammatical words like "a," "the," "is," and "are" is completely normal in toddler speech. These function words carry less meaning and are often unstressed in speech, making them harder for young children to learn. Most children begin using articles and auxiliary verbs consistently between ages 3 and 4.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is toddler confusing verb tenses normal?
When should I call the doctor about toddler confusing verb tenses?
When is toddler confusing verb tenses normal?
What causes toddler confusing verb tenses?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler confusing verb tenses?
Is toddler confusing verb tenses normal at 18-24 months?
Is toddler confusing verb tenses normal at 24-30 months?
Should I go to the ER for toddler confusing verb tenses?
Does toddler confusing verb tenses go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Toddler Confusing Verb Tenses.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed toddler confusing verb tenses and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child is over 4 years and consistently uses no verb tense markers at all.
- Mention if your child does not seem to understand the concept of past versus present when you speak.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your child is over 4 years and consistently uses no verb tense markers at all
- Your child does not seem to understand the concept of past versus present when you speak
- Your child's verb tense difficulties are part of broader grammar and language delays
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child was using verb tenses correctly and has regressed to using only base forms
- Your child is over 5 years and cannot produce any past tense forms despite being taught
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of toddler confusing verb tenses are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child was using verb tenses correctly and has regressed to using only base forms.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Speech Concerns
Toddler's Grammar Errors Not Improving
Grammar errors are a completely normal part of language development in toddlers and preschoolers. Children naturally say things like "I goed" or "him is big" as they learn grammar rules. Most grammar errors resolve by age 4 to 5. If errors persist beyond age 5 or if your child uses very limited grammar for their age, a speech-language evaluation may be helpful.
Child Not Using Past Tense
Past tense is one of the later grammar skills to develop. Most children begin using regular past tense (adding "-ed" to verbs) between ages 2.5 and 3.5, and irregular past tense (like "went," "ate," "fell") takes even longer. It's completely normal for a 3-year-old to say "I goed to the park" - this over-regularization actually shows they're learning grammar rules. Don't worry about past tense errors until well past age 4.
Toddler Dropping Articles and Small Words
Omitting small grammatical words like "a," "the," "is," and "are" is completely normal in toddler speech. These function words carry less meaning and are often unstressed in speech, making them harder for young children to learn. Most children begin using articles and auxiliary verbs consistently between ages 3 and 4.
Accent vs Speech Disorder in Bilingual Toddlers
When toddlers grow up hearing more than one language, they naturally blend sounds, patterns, and accents from both languages. This is normal and healthy, not a speech disorder. A bilingual child may pronounce some sounds differently than monolingual peers because they are learning the sound systems of two languages simultaneously. True speech disorders affect both languages equally, while accent influence appears only in specific sounds borrowed from one language to another.
Ear Fluid Affecting Baby's Speech Development
Chronic or recurrent middle ear fluid (otitis media with effusion) can temporarily reduce hearing by 15 to 40 decibels, which is like hearing through water. During critical periods of language learning, this muffled hearing can impact speech and language development. If your baby has frequent ear infections or persistent fluid, discuss the potential speech impact with your pediatrician.
Will Ear Tubes Help My Child's Speech?
Ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) can restore normal hearing by draining persistent fluid from the middle ear. Many children show speech and language improvement within weeks to months after tube placement, particularly if hearing loss from fluid was contributing to their speech delay. However, ear tubes alone may not resolve all speech delays, and some children benefit from speech therapy alongside tube placement.