What Is The Past Tense of Put?
The past tense of "put" is "put."
Understanding "Put" as an Irregular Verb
Irregular verbs don't follow the standard rules of conjugation. Unlike regular verbs that typically end in "-ed" for the past tense, irregular verbs have unique forms.
"Put" is an irregular verb, maintaining the same form across different tenses. For example, other irregular verbs include:
Cut: The past tense of "cut" is "cut."
Set: The past tense of "set" is "set."
Hit: The past tense of "hit" is "hit."
The Past Tense and Past Participle of "Put"
The past tense of "put" is "put," and this also serves as its past participle. Here are examples:
Past Tense: Yesterday, I put the book on the shelf.
Past Participle: She has put a lot of effort into this project.
Present Tense: I put my keys on the table every day.
Additional Examples
He put the toys away after playing.
They put the plan into action last year.
We had already put our coats on before the rain started.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
A common mistake is using "putted" instead of "put." This error occurs because learners may apply regular verb rules to an irregular verb.
To avoid this mistake, remember that "put" remains the same in all tenses. Here are some tips to help you remember:
Think of "put" as a set form, like "cut" or "hit."
Practice using "put" in sentences daily.
Practice Exercises
Correct: He put his keys on the table.
Incorrect: He putted his keys on the table.
Correct: She put her phone in her bag.
Incorrect: She putted her phone in her bag.
Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise
Yesterday, I _______ the groceries away. (put)
He has _______ a lot of effort into this project. (put)
They _______ the decorations up last weekend. (put)
We have _______ the documents in order. (put)
Practical Usage and Examples
Here are various contexts using "put":
Past Tense: I put the groceries away last night.
Past Participle: She had put the files in order before the meeting.
Present Tense: I put my bag on the chair every morning.
Sample Dialogue
Person A: Did you put the documents on my desk?
Person B: Yes, I put them there this morning.
Person A: Have you put away the files yet?
Person B: Yes, I put them away yesterday.
More Examples
He put the pen back in its holder.
We put our names on the list.
The teacher put the students into groups.
Writing Exercise
Use "put" correctly in the following sentences:
Last week, I _______ the proposal on your desk.
She has _______ her heart into this project.
They _______ up the new sign yesterday.
He always _______ his shoes by the door.