Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

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teach, teaches, teaching, taught

Synonyms: instruct, educate, train, coach, enlighten

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Antonyms: learn, misinform, mislead, confuse, conceal

The Verb Teach – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb teach is a common irregular verb that means to impart knowledge to or instruct someone as to how to do something. It involves showing or explaining a skill or subject.


VERB FORMS


■ Base Form: teach
■ Past Simple: taught
■ Past Partic-iple: taught
■ Present Participle/Gerund: teaching


USAGE AND CONTEXT


'Teach' is the fundamental verb for education and instruction.


1. Instructing in a Subject or Skill
This is its most direct and common meaning.


■ Profession: 'She teaches history at the local high school.'
■ Skill: 'My father taught me how to ride a bike.'


2. Showing by Example (Figurative)
This refers to demonstrating a lesson through one's actions, often unintentionally.


■ Consequence: 'Losing all his money taught him a valuable lesson about gambling.'


ℹ IMPORTANT: 'TEACH' VS. 'LEARN'


This is a fundamental distinction for learners of English.


■ Teach: To give knowledge. (The action of the instructor).
■ Example: 'The professor teaches the students.'


■ Learn: To gain knowledge. (The action of the student).
■ Example: 'The students learn from the professor.'


■ Verb Pattern: 'Teach' can be followed by two objects.
■ teach + (someone) + (something): 'He taught the children a song.'
■ teach + (something) + to + (someone): 'He taught a song to the children.'