Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

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shoe, shoes, shoeing, shod

Synonyms: shod, fit, protect, cover, equip

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Antonyms: unshoe, remove, uncover, strip, bare

The Verb Shoe – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb shoe is an irregular verb with a very specific meaning: to fit a horse with horseshoes (metal plates that protect the hooves). It is not used for people putting on their own shoes.


VERB FORMS


■ Base Form: shoe
■ Past Simple: shod (or shoed)
■ Past Participle: shod (or shodden - archaic)
■ Present Participle/Gerund: shoeing


USAGE AND CONTEXT


This is a specialized verb used almost exclusively in the context of caring for horses.


1. Fitting Horseshoes
This is the verb's primary and sole meaning. The person who does this job is called a farrier.


■ Action: 'The farrier will come tomorrow to shoe the horses.'
■ State: 'The horse was well shod and ready for the long journey.'


ℹ IMPORTANT: A SPECIALIZED VERB


■ For Horses Only: Remember, this verb does not mean 'to put on shoes.' The correct phrase for that is 'put on your shoes' or 'get shod' in a very informal, slang context.


■ Past Form 'Shod': The most common and correct past tense and past participle is shod. The form 'shoed' is a less common alternative. 'Shodden' is an old form that is now considered archaic. The adjective form is also shod (e.g., 'a well-shod horse').