• Read (present tense: to interpret written text) – Verb

• Read (past tense: to have interpreted written text) – Verb

Pronunciation

These words are heteronyms, meaning they are spelled the same but pronounced differently and have different meanings.

• Read (Present tense): Pronounced /riːd/ (REED) — To interpret text.

• Read (Past tense): Pronounced /rɛd/ (RED) — To have interpreted text.

Listen to the audio. Notice how the pronunciation changes based on the meaning.

What makes them different is your intonation, expression, and context, or the other words in the sentence.

Instruction

Read each sentence aloud and practice identifying the meaning of "read" in context.
Can you tell which “read” is being mentioned as you read each sentence?

Example Sentences

1. I read every day to improve my English skills.
   a. Present tense
   b. Past tense

2. She read the newspaper this morning.
   a. Present tense
   b. Past tense

3. The children love to read before bedtime.
   a. Present tense
   b. Past tense

4. He read the instructions carefully before assembling the desk.
   a. Present tense
   b. Past tense

5. They always read the rules before starting the game.
   a. Present tense
   b. Past tense

6. She read the letter and smiled.
   a. Present tense
   b. Past tense

7. I read novels during my free time.
   a. Present tense
   b. Past tense

8. He read aloud to the class yesterday.
   a. Present tense
   b. Past tense

9. Do you read books regularly?
   a. Present tense
   b. Past tense

10. I read a fascinating story about space exploration last night.
    a. Present tense
    b. Past tense

Answers

1. a

2. b

3. a

4. b

5. a

6. b

7. a

8. b

9. a

10. b

Intonation

Instructions: Intonation is controlling the rise and fall of your voice. When we do this with words and phrases, we send the listener a specific message.

Read (present tense)

1. She loves to read every day. (Stress read to emphasize the activity.)

2. Do you read aloud to your children at night? (Highlight read to focus on the action.)

3. He enjoys taking time to read before bed. (Emphasize read to show the habit.)

Read (past tense)

1. She read the letter and started to cry. (Stress read to highlight the completed action.)

2. He read the entire book in one sitting. (Highlight read to show the past activity.)

3. I read the article yesterday morning. (Emphasize read to indicate it’s already done.)

Expression

The following explains how stressing or emphasizing the bolded words alters the tone or focus of the sentence and offers some helpful tips. Practice stressing these words when speaking. Create your own sentences with the following words and phrases.

Read (present tense):

1. Read daily: Suggests a regular habit.

   • Tip: Stress daily to highlight frequency.

   • Sentence: He makes time to read daily for self-improvement.

2. Read aloud: Focuses on vocal reading.

   • Tip: Highlight aloud to show the type of activity.

   • Sentence: Parents often read aloud to their children.

3. Love to read: Shows enjoyment of the activity.

   • Tip: Emphasize love to express passion.

   • Sentence: She loves to read novels on rainy days.

Read (past tense):

1. Already read: Indicates completion.

   • Tip: Highlight already to emphasize it’s finished.

   • Sentence: I’ve already read that book twice.

2. Read thoroughly: Suggests careful attention to detail.

   • Tip: Stress thoroughly to show meticulousness.

   • Sentence: He read thoroughly before signing the agreement.

3. Quickly read: Highlights speed.

   • Tip: Emphasize quickly to show urgency.

   • Sentence: She quickly read the note before heading out.

Things to Remember:

The word "read" is used in different contexts:

• Read (present tense): Often paired with phrases like "read daily," "read aloud," or "love to read."

  • Example: She enjoys taking time to read daily.

• Read (past tense): Works with words like "already read," "read thoroughly," or "quickly read."

  • Example: He read thoroughly before submitting the report.