Past vs. Passed: Make Sure You Get It Right!

Last updated on September 19, 2024 by Liam Daniel

There are many homophones or words that sound almost the same in the English language, and no wonder that they are causing many problems for everyone. No matter if you’re a native or a non-native speaker, you might find yourself pausing when you need to choose between two words, such as past vs. passed, in your writing. However, if you clearly understand how different the meanings of these two are, there really is nothing difficult.

Past vs. Passed: the Primary Differences

Quick Tips:

  • Use “past” when referring to time, something that has already happened, or movement beyond a point.
  • Use “passed” when describing the action of moving by, going beyond, or completing something.
Past vs. Passed
Past vs. Passed – Created by 7ESL

Past vs. Passed | Definition and Usage

“Past” and “passed” are often confused because they sound alike, but they have different meanings and uses. Here’s how to distinguish between them:

Past:

  • Meaning: Refers to a previous time or direction, or something that has already happened.
  • Use: Can function as a noun, adjective, adverb, or preposition.
  • Examples:
    • Noun: “Let’s not dwell on the past.”
    • Adjective: “In the past week, I’ve been very busy.”
    • Adverb: “He walked past the house.”
    • Preposition: “It’s already past midnight.”
  • Explanation: “Past” is used when referring to time, something that has already happened, or movement beyond something.

Passed:

  • Meaning: The past tense of the verb “pass,” meaning to move past something, succeed in an exam, or go by.
  • Use: Always a verb.
  • Examples:
    • “She passed her driving test.”
    • “We passed the store on our way home.”
    • “Time passed quickly during the meeting.”
  • Explanation: “Passed” is the action of moving by, going beyond, or successfully completing something.

Tips for Correct Using Past vs. Passed

The best way to remember the difference between these two homophones is to always keep in mind that past is related to time, while passed is related to movement. Of course, you’ll also have to remember a few exceptions but you’ll find this trick helpful very often.

Rephrasing the sentence and turning the past tense to present might also help. If the sentence still makes sense after you replace the word in question with pass, then you need to use passed. For example, instead of “I passed by my friend” and “Three hours have passed“ you can say, “I pass by my friend” and “Three hours pass“.

Common Mistakes:

Using “past” instead of “passed” for actions:

  • Incorrect: “He past the test.”
  • Correct: “He passed the test.”
  • Explanation: “Passed” is the correct verb form when describing an action like completing a test.

Using “passed” instead of “past” for time or direction:

  • Incorrect: “It’s passed midnight.”
  • Correct: “It’s past midnight.”
  • Explanation: “Past” is the correct word when referring to time or movement beyond a point.

Past vs. Passed Examples

Examples of “Past“

  1. Noun: We should learn from the past to improve our future.
  2. Adjective: In his past life, he was a sailor.
  3. Preposition: The store is just past the traffic lights on the right.
  4. Adverb: The time for discussion has gone past, and now it’s time to decide.

Examples of “Passed“

  1. He passed the store without noticing it.
  2. The family passed down the antique clock through generations.
  3. She passed her driving test on the first attempt.
  4. As time passed, they grew more accustomed to the new environment.
  5. The bill passed in the Senate with a unanimous vote.

Interactive Exercises

Fill in the blanks 

  1. She has ______ her fear of spiders. (passed/past)
  2. The parade ______ down the main street at noon. (passed/past)
  3. I can’t believe how quickly the holidays ______ by. (passed/past)
  4. The ______ experiences shape who we are today. (passed/past)
  5. He ______ on the opportunity to travel abroad. (passed/past)
  6. The library is just ______ the coffee shop on the left. (passed/past)
  7. As the hours ______, the party got more lively. (passed/past)
  8. The criminal was finally brought to ______ for his crimes. (passed/past)
  9. The rumors about the new product have ______. (passed/past)
  10. We should put these disagreements behind us and start with a clean ______. (passed/past)

Answer 

  1. She has passed her fear of spiders.
  2. The parade passed down the main street at noon.
  3. I can’t believe how quickly the holidays passed by.
  4. The past experiences shape who we are today.
  5. He passed on the opportunity to travel abroad.
  6. The library is just past the coffee shop on the left.
  7. As the hours passed, the party got more lively.
  8. The criminal was finally brought to justice for his crimes.
  9. The rumors about the new product have passed.
  10. We should put these disagreements behind us and start with a clean past.
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