Error Analysis of English Past Verbs Pronunciation at Eleventh Grade Students of SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Ajibarang

Abstract

This study aims to describe pronunciation errors in English past verbs including vowels, consonants, and -ed endings and to identify the factors causing these errors among eleventh-grade students of XI DKV 1 at SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Ajibarang. This study uses a descriptive qualitative design. Data are collected through voice recording and interviews. The technique of data analysis follows Sugiyono in Yani (2022: 38) namely, data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusion. The findings reveal a total of 297 errors in regular past verbs and 65 errors in irregular ones. The most frequent errors occur in verbs like worked, returned, and ate, especially in pronouncing -ed endings (/t/, /d/, /ɪd/) and unfamiliar vowel/consonant sounds. Several contributing factors are identified from student interviews. These factors include native language influence, age, limited English exposure, low phonetic awareness, and psychological issues. Solutions involve targeted practice, phonetic training, and supportive classroom strategies for students’ improvement.

Keywords: Error analysis, Pronunciation, English Past Verbs