In early grammar, what is an example of overgeneralization?

In early grammar, what is an example of overgeneralization?

• A. Using 'smowed' instead of 'slept'.
• B. Using 'goed' instead of 'went'.
• C. Saying 'I goed' is proper grammar.
• D. Replacing irregular verbs with synonyms.

Answer: (B)

Overgeneralization is when a learner applies a known rule too broadly. In this case, the kid has learned that many verbs form the past tense by adding -ed, and then applies that rule to all verbs, including irregulars. Using “goed” for “go” shows this pattern clearly: the child uses the regular past-tense form instead of the correct irregular “went.” The contrast between the incorrect form and the real past tense highlights the rule being generalized beyond its proper scope. The other options don’t illustrate this pattern as cleanly. An option that uses an invented or nonstandard past tense form isn’t the same clear demonstration of extending a general rule to irregulars. Saying “I goed” is a sentence-level error rather than showing the generalization of a morpho-syntactic rule, and replacing irregulars with synonyms changes meaning rather than illustrating how past tense forms are created.

Overgeneralization is when a learner applies a known rule too broadly. In this case, the kid has learned that many verbs form the past tense by adding -ed, and then applies that rule to all verbs, including irregulars. Using “goed” for “go” shows this pattern clearly: the child uses the regular past-tense form instead of the correct irregular “went.” The contrast between the incorrect form and the real past tense highlights the rule being generalized beyond its proper scope.

The other options don’t illustrate this pattern as cleanly. An option that uses an invented or nonstandard past tense form isn’t the same clear demonstration of extending a general rule to irregulars. Saying “I goed” is a sentence-level error rather than showing the generalization of a morpho-syntactic rule, and replacing irregulars with synonyms changes meaning rather than illustrating how past tense forms are created.