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The Difference between 'Past' and 'Passed'

Question
When do we use 'past' and when do we use 'passed'? — Learners Everywhere
Answer

'Past' is an adjective meaning "from an earlier time."

  • Her past experience made her a strong candidate for the job.
  • Artifacts from past civilizations were on display.

 

It is also a preposition meaning "beyond (a particular place)."

  • The bathroom is on the left, past the bedrooms.
  • The store is two blocks past the library.
  • We drove past the house.

 

It is also a noun meaning "the time before the present."

  • Dinosaurs are large reptiles from the past.
  • The couple was glad to have their financial problems in the past.

 

'Passed' is the past tense of the verb 'pass.' 'Pass' means "to move by, through, or beyond someone or something."

  • We passed the park on our way home.
  • The medicine passed through his body quickly.
  • As I walked through the crowd I passed someone I knew.

 

'Pass' also means "to let time go by."

  • She passed the time by playing card games.
  • He passed the years enjoying many activities with his family.

 

'Pass' also means "to die."

  • His father passed peacefully in his sleep.
  • The family gathered at their mother's bedside and sat with her until she passed.

 

There are many other meanings of "pass." You can find them here.

 

I hope this helps.

 

 

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