Final answer:
It is true that adult learners of English might use a single form of an irregular verb for all tenses. This is a common simplification strategy among language learners, especially for irregular verbs which can be challenging due to their unique forms that do not follow regular conjugation patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that an adult learning English as a second language may substitute a simple form of an irregular verb for all its tenses is true. This simplification is common among language learners as they navigate the complexities of verb tenses. Adult learners, in particular, might experience more difficulty with irregular verbs due to the reduced language acquisition proficiency as people age. It's important for learners to gradually understand and apply the different tense forms for both regular and irregular verbs to properly convey time in English.
For instance, an English language learner might use "go" for past, present, and future events instead of "went" or "will go". It's vital to learn the correct forms through practice and exposure to the language in various contexts. Language development in adults can be more challenging than in children, who are more predisposed to acquire language effortlessly. Knowledge of appropriate verb tense usage is essential for effective communication and achieving fluency in a language.