All Ears English Podcast - Episode 2552

How to Master Confusing Past Tense Verbs in English

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Aubrey Carter
Date: January 21, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode dives into one of the trickiest aspects of English grammar for learners (and even native speakers): the past tense forms of multi-word verbs, especially those like "blow dry." Lindsay and Aubrey explore the difference between compound verbs and phrasal verbs, clarify why so many people say "blew dry" instead of "blow dried," and provide practical, real-life examples to solidify understanding. The episode showcases how to master these confusing forms in a fun, conversational way, making it valuable for intermediate to advanced English learners aiming for both accuracy and fluency.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why "Blow Dry" Sparks Confusion

• Issue Introduced (02:28)
  • Aubrey explains that even native speakers get confused about how to form the past tense, often mistakenly saying "blew dry" instead of "blow dried."
  • Lindsay highlights this as a common struggle when using two-word verbs in the past tense.
  • Quote:

    “Native speakers struggle with it in the past. I think I just said I blew dried my hair. And there’s like blow dried... two-word verbs can be really confusing, especially in the past for sure.” (Aubrey, 02:28)

2. Compound Verbs vs. Phrasal Verbs

• Grammar Clarification (03:11)
  • Compound Verbs: Any multi-word verb, e.g., "will go," "is running," or single concepts like "babysit."
  • Phrasal Verbs: A compound verb that changes meaning idiomatically when a verb is combined with a preposition or adverb (e.g., "blow off," "give in").
  • Quote:

    "A phrasal verb is a type of compound verb that forms a new idiomatic meaning. And this is the key." (Lindsay, 03:33)

3. The "Blow Dry" Dilemma

• Explanation & Examples (04:40)
  • "Blow dry" acts as a compound verb, not a phrasal verb, because there’s no significant change in meaning and no preposition.
  • Correct past tense: "blow dried," not "blew dry."
  • Quote:

    "When you change the tense, you change the whole verb. So blow dry becomes blow dried, not blue dry." (Aubrey, 05:11)

4. Past Tense of Phrasal Verbs with “Blow”

• Key Examples (06:00)
  • Blow out: To extinguish (e.g., “She blew out the candles”).
  • Blow up: Multiple meanings—explode ("The boiler blew up"), get angry ("She blew up when she heard the news"), enlarge a photo ("I blew up the photo for the presentation"), or get angry at ("She blew up at me").
  • Quote:

    "So for phrasal verbs, the particle remains unchanged and the main verb, blow, is changed to past tense." (Aubrey, 05:36)

5. Practical Role Play: Using the Verbs in Context

• Role Play Segment (08:36-09:19)
  • Lindsay and Aubrey act out a birthday party scenario using "blow dried," "blow out," "blew up at," and "blew out" naturally in conversation.
  • Key Phrases:
    • “I blow dried my hair before coming over, but it’s still damp.” (Aubrey, 08:45)
    • “I can’t wait for her to blow out the candles.” (Aubrey, 08:55)
    • “Her tire blew out on her way home.” (Lindsay, 09:00)
    • “She actually blew up at me over a misunderstanding.” (Aubrey, 09:05)

6. Common Mistakes & Connection-Not-Perfection Philosophy

• Reassurance and Advice (10:08)
  • The hosts stress it’s normal to make mistakes with these forms—even native speakers falter.
  • Language use is about connection, not perfection.
  • Quote:

    "Don’t worry about it if they make that mistake...we’re here for connection, not perfection." (Lindsay, 10:08)

7. Cultural and Practical Notes

• Idiomatic Usage & Subtle Differences (11:32)
  • Discussion of "blow up at" being subjective—how much anger qualifies, and contrasts in perceptions.
  • Lighthearted chat about cupcakes at children’s vs. adults’ parties adds real-life flavor and makes the language stickier.
  • Quote:

    "Sometimes my kids will say, ‘Don’t yell at me.’ And I’m like, I was not yelling." (Aubrey, 12:02)

8. Series Preview: More Phrasal Verbs With "Blow"

• Upcoming Episodes Teased (12:34)
  • Aubrey announces that because there are so many phrasal verbs with "blow" (each with multiple meanings), this will become a three-part series.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This mistake is common...because we do hear phrasal verbs with blue in the past tense. Blew out, blew up.” – Aubrey (06:00)
• "We’re not going to call people out on you. Correct them. Maybe just laugh with them, because they might even say that...blow dried...blue dried..." – Lindsay (10:08)
• "It’s really natural English...there are six more phrasal verbs with the word blow, but they each have a lot of meaning, multiple meanings like today’s." – Aubrey (12:28)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:28] — Introduction to the “blow dry” confusion and why native speakers get it wrong
• [03:11] — Explanation: Compound verbs vs. phrasal verbs
• [04:40] — Main grammar point: “Blow dry” as a compound verb
• [06:00] — Past tense forms of phrasal verbs with “blow”: examples and meanings
• [08:36] — Birthday party role play: using all these verb forms in context
• [10:08] — Connection not perfection: making mistakes is natural
• [11:32] — Idiomatic usage: “blow up at” and conversational nuance
• [12:34] — Announcement of upcoming series on “blow” phrasal verbs

Conclusion

• The episode demystifies a confusing aspect of English verb tense by breaking it down step-by-step, from grammar theory to real life.
• Listeners are encouraged to focus on meaningful connections through language, rather than stressing over perfection.
• This is the first of a multi-part series—listeners can anticipate deeper dives into more “blow” phrasal verbs in future episodes.

For English learners:

• Review and practice the examples from the role play.
• Remember that even native speakers make these mistakes, so communication and connection come first!
• Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 for an even richer understanding of English phrasal verbs.