past tense

Also past

[past tens]

noun

Grammar.

1. (in English) the simple past.

2. any verb formation or construction used to express an action or state occurring in the past, such as, in English, the past progressive, present perfect, and pluperfect tenses.

3. an instance or form of a specific verb expressing a past action or state.

Word History and Origins

Origin of past tense¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

How many words does Ellie have now, not counting like the past tense of a verb or something?

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Prosecutors noted that his use of past tense was suspicious.

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They began speaking of him in the past tense.

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The problem is that a large share of the rock audience continues to think of the Beach Boys in the past tense.

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"Elon and I had a great relationship," Trump said on Thursday – a comment notable for its use of the past tense.

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