Don't Call the Horse!

In English, the -ed ending on verbs like "called" should be a quick /d/ sound. If you add an extra syllable, you aren't using the past tense—you are telling someone to call a famous horse!

Mister Ed the talking horse on a telephone

If you say "Call-ed," you are calling Mister Ed!

The Mister Ed Mistake:
❌ Wrong: I "call-ed" (/kɔːl ɛd/) my mom. (2 syllables)
✅ Right: I "called" (/kɔːld/) my mom. (1 syllable - rhymes with bald)

Practice: 5 Questions for Mister Ed

Practice reading these aloud. Make the mistake on purpose to "Call Ed," then ask your question!

  1. "Call-ed... Mister Ed, why do you only talk to Wilbur?"
  2. "Call-ed... Mister Ed, do you like living in a stable?"
  3. "Call-ed... Mister Ed, what is your favorite snack?"
  4. "Call-ed... Mister Ed, do you wear shoes in the house?"
  5. "Call-ed... Mister Ed, are horses smarter than people?"

Listening Challenge

Listen as your teacher says a sentence. Is it the Past Tense (1 syllable) or are they Calling the Horse (2 syllables)?

Sentence Past Tense (/d/) Calling Ed (/ɛd/)
1. I [called] the police. ⬜ ⬜
2. He [called] his friend. ⬜ ⬜
3. We [called] for a taxi. ⬜ ⬜
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