Past Tense Words List: A Comprehensive Overview

Many people struggle with past tense words in English. This can make writing and speaking tricky. We understand this challenge.

That’s why we’ve put together a helpful guide on past-tense words. Our past tense words list will make it easier for you to use these words correctly.

In this post, we’ll cover the basics of past tense and provide a useful list of common past tense words.

We’ll also share tips on how to use them in your daily life. By the end, you’ll feel more confident using past tense words in your writing and speech.

Let’s get started on improving your English skills together!

What is Past Tense?

Past tense is a way we talk about things that happened before now. It’s a key part of English grammar. When we use past tense, we’re talking about actions or events from the past.

The main job of the past tense is to describe what took place earlier. It helps us share stories, report on past events, and discuss our experiences.

Using past tense, we clarify that something is no longer happening.

For example, instead of saying, “I eat breakfast,” we say, “I ate breakfast,” to show that it’s already been done.

Past tense lets us put our words in the right time frame, making our meaning clearer to others when we speak or write.

Types of Past Tense

65 Regular Verbs in Past Tense Words List

1. Walked

• Regular Form: Walk
• Past Participle: Walked
• Example: She walked to the store yesterday.

2. Jumped

• Regular Form: Jump
• Past Participle: Jumped
• Example: He jumped over the fence quickly.

3. Played

• Regular Form: Play
• Past Participle: Played
• Example: They played soccer in the park.

4. Laughed

• Regular Form: Laugh
• Past Participle: Laughed
• Example: She laughed at the funny joke.

5. Cooked

• Regular Form: Cook
• Past Participle: Cooked
• Example: He cooked dinner for his family last night.

6. Cleaned

• Regular Form: Clean
• Past Participle: Cleaned
• Example: She cleaned the house on Saturday.

7. Talked

• Regular Form: Talk
• Past Participle: Talked
• Example: We talked about our weekend plans.

8. Helped

• Regular Form: Help
• Past Participle: Helped
• Example: He helped his friend with homework.

9. Watched

• Regular Form: Watch
• Past Participle: Watched
• Example: They watched a movie together.

10. Painted

• Regular Form: Paint
• Past Participle: Painted
• Example: She painted the walls blue.

11. Closed

• Regular Form: Close
• Past Participle: Closed
• Example: He closed the door quietly.

12. Opened

• Regular Form: Open
• Past Participle: Opened
• Example: She opened the gift excitedly.

13. Liked

• Regular Form: Like
• Past Participle: Liked
• Example: He liked the new book you gave him.

14. Smiled

• Regular Form: Smile
• Past Participle: Smiled
• Example: She smiled at the stranger.

15. Danced

• Regular Form: Dance
• Past Participle: Danced
• Example: They danced at the party all night.

16. Worked

• Regular Form: Work
• Past Participle: Worked
• Example: He worked on the project for hours.

17. Fixed

• Regular Form: Fix
• Past Participle: Fixed
• Example: She fixed the broken chair.

18. Called

• Regular Form: Call
• Past Participle: Called
• Example: He called his mom after school.

19. Stayed

• Regular Form: Stay
• Past Participle: Stayed
• Example: They stayed at the hotel for two nights.

20. Moved

• Regular Form: Move
• Past Participle: Moved
• Example: She moved to a new apartment last week.

21. Shouted

• Regular Form: Shout
• Past Participle: Shouted
• Example: He shouted to get their attention.

22. Picked

• Regular Form: Pick
• Past Participle: Picked
• Example: She picked some flowers from the garden.

23. Looked

• Regular Form: Look
• Past Participle: Looked
• Example: They looked for their missing keys.

24. Started

• Regular Form: Start
• Past Participle: Started
• Example: He started his new job last Monday.

25. Finished

• Regular Form: Finish
• Past Participle: Finished
• Example: She finished reading the book yesterday.

26. Needed

• Regular Form: Need
• Past Participle: Needed
• Example: He needed help with his homework.

27. Waited

• Regular Form: Wait
• Past Participle: Waited
• Example: They waited for the bus for 30 minutes.

28. Trusted

• Regular Form: Trust
• Past Participle: Trusted
• Example: She trusted her friend with the secret.

29. Believed

• Regular Form: Believe
• Past Participle: Believed
• Example: He believed in himself and succeeded.

30. Carried

• Regular Form: Carry
• Past Participle: Carried
• Example: She carried the groceries to the car.

31. Pushed

• Regular Form: Push
• Past Participle: Pushed
• Example: He pushed the cart down the aisle.

32. Pulled

• Regular Form: Pull
• Past Participle: Pulled
• Example: They pulled the rope to lift the bucket.

33. Wanted

• Regular Form: Want
• Past Participle: Wanted
• Example: She wanted to go to the concert.

34. Visited

• Regular Form: Visit
• Past Participle: Visited
• Example: They visited their grandparents last weekend.

35. Planted

• Regular Form: Plant
• Past Participle: Planted
• Example: He planted some trees in the backyard.

36. Traveled

• Regular Form: Travel
• Past Participle: Traveled
• Example: She traveled to Italy last summer.

37. Rented

• Regular Form: Rent
• Past Participle: Rented
• Example: They rented a car for the trip.

38. Posted

• Regular Form: Post
• Past Participle: Posted
• Example: She posted the letter yesterday.

39. Marked

• Regular Form: Mark
• Past Participle: Marked
• Example: He marked the important dates on his calendar.

40. Typed

• Regular Form: Type
• Past Participle: Typed
• Example: She typed the report on her laptop.

41. Wrapped

• Regular Form: Wrap
• Past Participle: Wrapped
• Example: She wrapped the gift beautifully.

42. Washed

• Regular Form: Wash
• Past Participle: Washed
• Example: He washed the car this morning.

43. Baked

• Regular Form: Bake
• Past Participle: Baked
• Example: She baked a cake for the party.

44. Climbed

• Regular Form: Climb
• Past Participle: Climbed
• Example: They climbed the mountain together.

45. Hoped

• Regular Form: Hope
• Past Participle: Hoped
• Example: He hoped for a sunny day, but it rained.

46. Lived

• Regular Form: Live
• Past Participle: Lived
• Example: She lived in New York for five years.

47. Noticed

• Regular Form: Notice
• Past Participle: Noticed
• Example: He noticed the missing key immediately.

48. Turned

• Regular Form: Turn
• Past Participle: Turned
• Example: She turned the knob to open the door.

49. Shopped

• Regular Form: Shop
• Past Participle: Shopped
• Example: They shopped for groceries at the market.

50. Passed

• Regular Form: Pass
• Past Participle: Passed
• Example: He passed the exam with flying colors.

51. Reached

• Regular Form: Reach
• Past Participle: Reached
• Example: She reached the top of the hill after a long climb.

52. Preached

• Regular Form: Preach
• Past Participle: Preached
• Example: He preached about kindness during the service.

53. Coached

• Regular Form: Coach
• Past Participle: Coached
• Example: She coached the soccer team for three years.

54. Approached

• Regular Form: Approach
• Past Participle: Approached
• Example: He approached the problem with caution.

55. Scratched

• Regular Form: Scratch
• Past Participle: Scratched
• Example: The cat scratched the furniture yesterday.

56. Fetched

• Regular Form: Fetch
• Past Participle: Fetched
• Example: He fetched the ball from the yard.

57. Stretched

• Regular Form: Stretch
• Past Participle: Stretched
• Example: She stretched her arms after waking up.

58. Matched

• Regular Form: Match
• Past Participle: Matched
• Example: The colors of her outfit matched perfectly.

59. Patched

• Regular Form: Patch
• Past Participle: Patched
• Example: He patched the hole in the wall.

60. Clutched

• Regular Form: Clutch
• Past Participle: Clutched
• Example: She clutched her bag tightly in the crowd.

61. Switched

• Regular Form: Switch
• Past Participle: Switched
• Example: He switched off the lights before leaving.

62. Twitched

• Regular Form: Twitch
• Past Participle: Twitched
• Example: Her eye twitched when she was nervous.

63. Latched

• Regular Form: Latch
• Past Participle: Latched
• Example: She latched the door before going to bed.

64. Bunched

• Regular Form: Bunch
• Past Participle: Bunched
• Example: The laundry was bunched up in the basket.

65. Started

• Regular Form: Start
• Past Participle: Started
• Example: She started her new job last week.

65 Irregular Verbs in Past Tense Words List

66. Went

• Regular Form: Go
• Past Participle: Gone
• Example: He went to the store yesterday.

67. Sang

• Regular Form: Sing
• Past Participle: Sung
• Example: She sang her favorite song at the concert.

68. Ate

• Regular Form: Eat
• Past Participle: Eaten
• Example: He ate a delicious meal last night.

69. Drank

• Regular Form: Drink
• Past Participle: Drunk
• Example: She drank a glass of water after her workout.

70. Ran

• Regular Form: Run
• Past Participle: Run
• Example: He ran five miles yesterday.

71. Wrote

• Regular Form: Write
• Past Participle: Written
• Example: She wrote a letter to her friend.

72. Spoke

• Regular Form: Speak
• Past Participle: Spoken
• Example: He spoke to the manager about the issue.

73. Drove

• Regular Form: Drive
• Past Participle: Driven
• Example: She drove to work this morning.

74. Flew

• Regular Form: Fly
• Past Participle: Flown
• Example: They flew to Paris for vacation.

75. Swam

• Regular Form: Swim
• Past Participle: Swum
• Example: He swam in the ocean during the summer.

76. Broke

• Regular Form: Break
• Past Participle: Broken
• Example: She broke her phone yesterday.

77. Chose

• Regular Form: Choose
• Past Participle: Chosen
• Example: He chose the blue shirt for the event.

78. Drew

• Regular Form: Draw
• Past Participle: Drawn
• Example: She drew a beautiful picture in art class.

79. Grew

• Regular Form: Grow
• Past Participle: Grown
• Example: The plant grew taller in just a week.

80. Knew

• Regular Form: Know
• Past Participle: Known
• Example: He knew the answer to the question immediately.

81. Threw

• Regular Form: Throw
• Past Participle: Thrown
• Example: She threw the ball to her dog.

82. Wore

• Regular Form: Wear
• Past Participle: Worn
• Example: He wore his favorite jacket to the party.

83. Woke

• Regular Form: Wake
• Past Participle: Woken
• Example: She woke up early this morning.

84. Took

• Regular Form: Take
• Past Participle: Taken
• Example: He took the bus to school.

85. Shook

• Regular Form: Shake
• Past Participle: Shaken
• Example: He shook hands with the guest.

86. Sat

• Regular Form: Sit
• Past Participle: Sat
• Example: She sat down at the table.

87. Stood

• Regular Form: Stand
• Past Participle: Stood
• Example: He stood in line for an hour.

88. Held

• Regular Form: Hold
• Past Participle: Held
• Example: She held the baby in her arms.

89. Felt

• Regular Form: Feel
• Past Participle: Felt
• Example: He felt happy after winning the game.

90. Slept

• Regular Form: Sleep
• Past Participle: Slept
• Example: She slept for eight hours last night.

91. Kept

• Regular Form: Keep
• Past Participle: Kept
• Example: He kept his promise to help his friend.

92. Meant

• Regular Form: Mean
• Past Participle: Meant
• Example: She meant to call him, but forgot.

93. Left

• Regular Form: Leave
• Past Participle: Left
• Example: He left the house early in the morning.

94. Built

• Regular Form: Build
• Past Participle: Built
• Example: They built a treehouse in the backyard.

95. Brought

• Regular Form: Bring
• Past Participle: Brought
• Example: She brought cookies to the party.

96. Bought

• Regular Form: Buy
• Past Participle: Bought
• Example: He bought a new car last week.

97. Caught

• Regular Form: Catch
• Past Participle: Caught
• Example: She caught the ball during the game.

98. Fought

• Regular Form: Fight
• Past Participle: Fought
• Example: They fought bravely in the match.

99. Thought

• Regular Form: Think
• Past Participle: Thought
• Example: He thought about the problem for a long time.

100. Taught

• Regular Form: Teach
• Past Participle: Taught
• Example: She taught the class how to write essays.

101. Sought

• Regular Form: Seek
• Past Participle: Sought
• Example: He sought advice from his mentor.

102. Sold

• Regular Form: Sell
• Past Participle: Sold
• Example: They sold their old car last month.

103. Told

• Regular Form: Tell
• Past Participle: Told
• Example: She told him the truth about the situation.

104. Found

• Regular Form: Find
• Past Participle: Found
• Example: He found his lost keys under the couch.

105. Bound

• Regular Form: Bind
• Past Participle: Bound
• Example: She bound the books together with a ribbon.

106. Won

• Regular Form: Win
• Past Participle: Won
• Example: He won the chess tournament.

107. Hung

• Regular Form: Hang
• Past Participle: Hung
• Example: She hung the painting on the wall.

108. Sank

• Regular Form: Sink
• Past Participle: Sunk
• Example: The ship sank after hitting an iceberg.

109. Stung

• Regular Form: Sting
• Past Participle: Stung
• Example: He was stung by a bee while gardening.

110. Swung

• Regular Form: Swing
• Past Participle: Swung
• Example: She swung the bat and hit the ball.

111. Clung

• Regular Form: Cling
• Past Participle: Clung
• Example: The baby clung to her mother tightly.

112. Flung

• Regular Form: Fling
• Past Participle: Flung
• Example: He flung his jacket onto the chair.

113. Stuck

• Regular Form: Stick
• Past Participle: Stuck
• Example: She stuck the note on the fridge.

114. Struck

• Regular Form: Strike
• Past Participle: Struck
• Example: He struck the ball with great force.

115. Dug

• Regular Form: Dig
• Past Participle: Dug
• Example: They dug a hole for the new tree.

116. Spun

• Regular Form: Spin
• Past Participle: Spun
• Example: The dancer spun gracefully on stage.

117. Stole

• Regular Form: Steal
• Past Participle: Stolen
• Example: He stole the last cookie from the jar.

118. Froze

• Regular Form: Freeze
• Past Participle: Frozen
• Example: She froze when she saw the spider.

119. Rode

• Regular Form: Ride
• Past Participle: Ridden
• Example: He rode his bike to the park.

120. Rose

• Regular Form: Rise
• Past Participle: Risen
• Example: The sun rose early this morning.

121. Shone

• Regular Form: Shine
• Past Participle: Shone
• Example: The stars shone brightly in the sky.

122. Tore

• Regular Form: Tear
• Past Participle: Torn
• Example: He tore the paper in half.

123. Hid

• Regular Form: Hide
• Past Participle: Hidden
• Example: She hid the gift under the bed.

124. Bit

• Regular Form: Bite
• Past Participle: Bitten
• Example: The dog bit the toy hard.

125. Bled

• Regular Form: Bleed
• Past Participle: Bled
• Example: He bled after cutting his finger.

126. Fed

• Regular Form: Feed
• Past Participle: Fed
• Example: She fed the cat in the morning.

127. Led

• Regular Form: Lead
• Past Participle: Led
• Example: He led the team to victory.

128. Met

• Regular Form: Meet
• Past Participle: Met
• Example: She met her friend for coffee.

129. Read

• Regular Form: Read
• Past Participle: Read
• Example: He read the book in one sitting.

130. Spent

• Regular Form: Spend
• Past Participle: Spent
• Example: They spent the weekend at the beach.

Common Mistakes in Using Past Tense

Many people find past tense tricky. Let’s look at some common errors and how to fix them:

1. Mixing up Regular and Irregular Verbs

This happens when we treat irregular verbs like regular ones.

• Wrong: “I goed to the store yesterday.”
• Right: “I went to the store yesterday.”

Remember, “go” changes to “went” in the past, not “goed”.

2. Forgetting to Change the Verb

Sometimes, we forget to put the verb in the past tense.

• Wrong: “Last week, I eat at that new restaurant.”
• Right: “Last week, I ate at that new restaurant.”

When talking about the past, make sure to use past tense verbs.

3. Using the Wrong Form of Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs can be hard to remember.

• Wrong: “She brung her laptop to the meeting.”
• Right: “She brought her laptop to the meeting.”

“Bring” becomes “brought” in the past, not “brung”.

4. Adding -Ed to Already Irregular Verbs

This mistake happens when we add -ed to verbs that don’t need it.

• Wrong: “The children singed a song at the concert.”
• Right: “The children sang a song at the concert.”

“Sing” changes to “sang”, not “singed”.

5. Incorrect Use of ‘did’ in Questions

When we use “did” to ask about the past, the main verb stays in the present form.

• Wrong: “Did you went to the party?”
• Right: “Did you go to the party?”

The “did” already shows it’s in the past, so “go” stays as “go”.

Mixing Present Perfect and Simple Past

These two tenses are often mixed up.

• Wrong: “I have saw that movie last month.”
• Right: “I saw that movie last month.”

For a specific time in the past, use simple past tense.

Wrapping It Up

Let’s wrap up our discussion of the past tense words list. We’ve covered what past tense is, common regular and irregular verbs, and typical mistakes.

Using past tense correctly can make your English clearer and more natural.

Remember, practice is key to getting better. Try using these words in your daily life, whether you’re talking about your day or writing about past events.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re part of learning. If you’re unsure about a word, look it up or ask someone.

Keep this past tense words list handy as a quick guide. Past tense will become easier with time and use.

Keep learning and improving your English skills!