past tense

American  

[past tens] / ˈpæst ˈtɛns /

Also past

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.

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Etymology

Origin of past tense

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

While it is still difficult for Kumar to refer to his daughter in the past tense, he said Grace was behind his motivation to keep pursuing accountability.

From BBC

It is painful to have to write about Catherine O’Hara, so alive and lively a presence, in the past tense.

From Los Angeles Times

Your brother uses past tense when speaking of your mother.

From Literature

But why, she wondered, was this beloved hometown mentioned only in the past tense?

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Salon