The -ear Pattern
Some irregular verbs ending in -ear follow the pattern -ear → -ore → -orn(e), as shown in the examples above. However, there are exceptions (e.g., hear → heard → heard).
Born vs. Borne
Both are past participles of "bear", but they have different uses.
- "Born" refers to birth: She was born in Canada.
- "Borne" means carried, supported, or endured: He has borne a heavy burden.
Note: Borne is also used when referring to a mother giving birth: She has borne three children.
