(past = movement 'from one side to the other') See the similar examples below.)Īs a preposition, 'past' means 'beyond' or denotes movement 'from one side of a reference point to the other.' However, it could be argued that the word 'past' is a preposition forming part of phrasal verb (like 'to run away' or 'to jump up'). (Note: The word 'past' is acting as an adverb in each of these examples. She loves to tell us about past dance competitions in the hall.Īs a noun, 'past' means 'the time before the present.'Īs an adverb, 'past' means 'beyond' or denotes movement 'from one side of a reference point to the other.'.This past year has been difficult for the recruiters.The word 'past' has several meanings (usually related to 'time before the present' or to indicate movement 'from one side of a reference point to the other side.') 'Past' can be used as an adjective, an adverb, a noun, or a preposition.Įxample Sentences with 'Past' As an adjective, 'past' denotes time before the present. (If there's a verb of motion (here, 'flew'), then it will be partnered with 'past.')

The Harrier flew past at an altitude of 100 feet.The Harrier passed at an altitude of 100 feet.(If there's a verb of motion (here, 'wandered'), then it will be partnered with 'past.') The lion wandered past the zebra without so much as a glance.This is worth bearing in mind because if you have used any verb of motion, then it will be partnered with 'past' and not 'passed.' Remember that 'passed' is the past tense of the verb 'to pass.' This is a 100% rule. (in other words, the method of moving is irrelevant). Of note, 'to pass' can also mean 'to sail past,' 'to fly past,' 'to run past,' 'to hop past,' etc. 'To pass' often means 'to move past,' and this is where the confusion often arises. The lion passed the zebra without so much as a glance.(In this example, 'passed' is a past passive participle.) The operator has already passed the note to the typist.(Here, 'to pass' means = to be successful in a test) The word 'passed' is the past tense of the verb 'to pass', e.g., 'I pass' (present tense), 'I passed,' and 'I have passed' (both past tense), and 'I will pass' (future tense). Here is a flow diagram to help you choose between 'passed' and 'past.' You have passed the point of no return.

The confusion between 'past' and 'passed' is understandable. The Confusion between 'Past' and 'Passed'

'Passed' is the past tense of 'to pass.' For everything else, use 'past.'.

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Past or passed