Regularization (linguistics)

Okay kiddo, let me explain what regularization in linguistics means. When we speak or write, we follow certain rules to make sure our words and sentences sound right. But sometimes, we break these rules and make mistakes, for example, 'goed' instead of 'went' or 'mouses' instead of 'mice'. These are called irregular forms because they don't follow the usual pattern of adding '-ed' or '-s' to the end of a word.

However, over time, some of these irregular forms can become regularized, which means that they start to follow the usual pattern that we see in other words. For example, 'snuck' is an irregular form of 'sneak', but some people use 'sneaked' instead, which is more regular. Another example is 'sheeps', which some people use instead of 'sheep', but it's not correct because it's not a regular form.

Why do people regularize irregular forms? Well, it could be because they're exposed to more regular forms, like in school or in books, or because they think it sounds better or makes more sense. Regularization can happen gradually over time, and it can change the way we speak or write as a society, so it's something that linguists study to understand how language changes and evolves.