Which term describes an error made when a learner applies a rule in a context where it does not belong (for example adding -ed to an irregular verb)?

• A. Overgeneralisation
• B. Recast
• C. Processing instruction
• D. Negotiation of form

Answer: (A)

Overgeneralization happens when a learner applies a known rule too broadly, in contexts where it doesn’t belong. For example, learning that past tense is formed with -ed leads to forms like “goed” for the verb “go” instead of the correct “went.” This shows the learner applying a general rule to irregulars, which is exactly the kind of error described in the question. The other terms refer to different classroom phenomena: a recast is simply the teacher reformulating the learner’s utterance with the correct form as feedback; processing instruction is a teaching approach that guides learners to notice form in input; negotiation of form is a conversational move to clarify or confirm form during interaction. The issue here is the misapplication of a rule, which is overgeneralization.