Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

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sit, sits, sitting, sat

Synonyms: rest, perch, settle, take a seat, be seated

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Antonyms: stand, rise, get up, move, walk

The Verb Sit – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb sit is a fundamental irregular verb meaning to rest your body in an upright position with your weight on your buttocks, for example, on a chair.


VERB FORMS


■ Base Form: sit
■ Past Simple: sat
■ Past Participle: sat
■ Present Participle/Gerund: sitting


USAGE AND CONTEXT


'Sit' is one of the most common verbs for describing posture and location.


1. Resting on a Chair or Surface
This is its primary, everyday meaning.


■ Action: 'Please sit down.'
■ State: 'The cat was sitting on the windowsill.'


2. To be Located or Placed
This is used for buildings or large objects.


■ Location: 'The old castle sits on top of a hill.'


ℹ IMPORTANT: 'SIT' VS. 'SET'


This is a classic point of confusion for learners.


■ Sit (Intransitive): You rest your own body. It does not take an object. (sit, sat, sat)
■ Example: 'I will sit here.'


■ Set (Transitive): You place an object somewhere. It requires an object. (set, set, set)
■ Example: 'Please set the glass on the coaster.'


■ Phrasal Verbs:
■ Sit in on: To attend a meeting or class as an observer. ('Can I sit in on your class tomorrow?')
■ Sit up: To move into an upright sitting position. It can also mean to suddenly pay attention. ('The news made me sit up and take notice.')