Bizarre Irregular Verbs: be \ bear \ beat

Irregular Verbs Starting with Letter B

IRREGULAR VERBS

Bizzare Irregular Verbs: be \ bear \ BEAT the Rules!

Ever wondered how some English verbs just seem to break all the rules? (Did you join me on YouTube earlier today?) I'm going to share some of the craziest English verbs that break all the rules, and by the end of this lesson, you'll be using them like a pro!

Verbs are the heartbeat of English. But irregular verbs? They’re the troublemakers. They confuse learners, trip up even native speakers, and remind us that language is alive—constantly evolving, sometimes chaotic, but always fascinating. Have you ever felt completely lost trying to navigate the crazy world of English irregular verbs? You're not alone. We’re diving into three of the most unpredictable verbs: be, bear, and beat. These verbs don’t just break grammar rules they rewrite them. And understanding them isn’t just about memorization — it’s about seeing how English really works.

Main Points

Let's break it down:

1️⃣ BE – the most essential verb in English, yet the most irregular. Am, is, are, was, were… no patterns, just pure memorization. And yet, it’s the glue of our language.

2️⃣ BEAR – tricky because it hides two meanings: to carry or endure (She bore the pain) and to give birth (She bore a child). Plus, it shifts into metaphorical uses like ‘bear responsibility.’ Confusing? Absolutely. But powerful.

3️⃣ BEAT – straightforward in some cases —beat, beat, beaten— but in slang and real-life speech, it takes on unexpected lives: ‘That beats me!’ (I don’t know) or ‘You can’t beat that!’ (nothing’s better). Furthermore, did you know that the verb 'beat' can mean more than just to hit something? In English, it can also mean to defeat someone in a game or competition, making it one of the most versatile words in the language!

Each of these verbs bends grammar to its own rules. They beat the rules. Literally.

Evidence & Examp

Imagine this: You’re at the doctor’s, and they say, ‘The patient bore the symptoms for weeks.’ You’re thinking: ‘Bore? Like bored?’ Nope —completely different. Or picture this: You’re at a party and someone says, ‘This song beats everything else tonight!’ —no violence, just excitement. And then there’s be —without it, how would you even say ‘I am alive’? These verbs aren’t just quirks, they’re essential tools for expression, humor, and connection.

Counterarguments

Now, some people will say: ‘Grammar must be strict — rules keep us clear!’ And sure, structure helps. But flexibility—the willingness of verbs like be, bear, and beat to bend — actually makes English more expressive and human. So here’s the truth: irregular verbs aren’t just headaches for learners—they’re proof that English is alive, creative, and always surprising. And the more you embrace their quirks, the more confident—and playful—you’ll become with the language.

Join me as I take on the challenge of using the wackiest English verbs that totally beat the rules! 

Just a quick note — since this video lesson comes from my bilingual channel, you’ll see some Greek translations 🇬🇷 to help my Greek learners. But don’t worry — if you’re an international viewer, you can totally skip over those or just enjoy the beautiful sound of the Greek language while you learn!

Now it’s your turn: What’s YOUR favourite wacky verb? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear it! And if today’s dive into be, bear, and beat sparked something for you, check out my other videos for more practical tips. Because here at Birdhouse English, learning isn’t about rules — it’s about connection and personal development. So, wings up — let’s fly!

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Sending You My Softest Kiss,
❤️Vanessa Koukou