Which term describes when a pattern generalizes too far and leads to incorrect forms?

Which term describes when a pattern generalizes too far and leads to incorrect forms?

• A. Overgeneralization
• B. Generalization
• C. Interference
• D. Omission

Answer: (A)

Overgeneralization happens when a learner takes a pattern and applies it too broadly, producing forms that aren’t correct in many contexts. For example, a student might add -ed to every verb to mark past tense, saying “goed” instead of “went” or say “she go” instead of “she goes.” This shows the learner has noticed a rule and tries to extend it everywhere, but some words don’t follow the rule and have irregular forms. Generalization, in a broader sense, is about recognizing patterns, but it doesn’t imply the rule is being applied incorrectly in all cases. Interference involves influence from the learner’s first language, and omission means leaving out required words or sounds, not extending a rule too far. So the term that best describes applying a pattern beyond its correct scope and getting incorrect forms is overgeneralization.

Overgeneralization happens when a learner takes a pattern and applies it too broadly, producing forms that aren’t correct in many contexts. For example, a student might add -ed to every verb to mark past tense, saying “goed” instead of “went” or say “she go” instead of “she goes.” This shows the learner has noticed a rule and tries to extend it everywhere, but some words don’t follow the rule and have irregular forms. Generalization, in a broader sense, is about recognizing patterns, but it doesn’t imply the rule is being applied incorrectly in all cases. Interference involves influence from the learner’s first language, and omission means leaving out required words or sounds, not extending a rule too far. So the term that best describes applying a pattern beyond its correct scope and getting incorrect forms is overgeneralization.