A Study of Verb Inflection Usage in Sentences by EFL Students: Challenges and Trends
Keywords:
Morphology, Inflection, Ablaut, Suppletion, Zero Modification, VerbAbstract
This study investigates the distribution and challenges of verb inflection usage among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students at Tadulako University, focusing on regular verb inflection namely the use of suffixes such as -ed, -s, -ing, and -en suffixes as well as irregular verbs such as ablaut, suppletion, and zero modification in tenses and aspects. Using a quantitative descriptive approach, data were collected through tests and questionnaires from 148 third-semester students. The analysis results show that regular verbs, especially the suffix -en, are more challenging for EFL students. Seven factors that influence the use of verb inflection were identified: 1) vocabulary limitations; 2) fear of making mistakes; 3) low motivation; 4) teaching methods and quality of instruction; 5) lack of practice; 6) classroom environment; and 7) peer influence.
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