Walking Passed or Past: How to Properly Use These Confusing Words
Confusing words are a common occurrence in the English language, and “passed” and “past” are no exception. These two words are often mixed up, causing writers to use them interchangeably, which can lead to grammatical errors and confusion for readers.
Fortunately, understanding the subtle differences between “passed” and “past” is not difficult. In this article, we’ll go over the various contexts in which each word is used, and how to use them correctly in your writing.
Passed vs. Past: What’s the Difference?
The key difference between “passed” and “past” is that “passed” is a verb, while “past” is an adjective or a preposition.
The verb “passed” is the past tense of “pass,” which means to move forward, go by or over, or proceed. For example, a person can pass a test, pass through a door, or pass a car on the highway.
The adjective “past” refers to a time or events that have already occurred. For example, “He was a great baseball player in the past,” or “I left my job in the past month.”
Moreover, the preposition “past” describes motion or a physical location. You would use “past” for indicating a point beyond in space or time. For example, “I walked past the grocery store,” or “The deadline is past due.”
When to Use “Passed”
The verb “passed” is used in a variety of contexts, and it is often confused with “past.” Here are some examples of how to use “passed” correctly in a sentence:
– I passed the test with flying colors.
– She passed the basketball to her teammate.
– The car passed us on the highway.
– He passed through the door and into the room.
– The train passed by quickly.
In all of these examples, “passed” indicates movement, whether it be physical or metaphorical.
When to Use “Past”
As mentioned earlier, “past” is an adjective or a preposition. Here are some examples of how to use “past” in a sentence:
– I’m looking for a job in my past industry.
– She was a famous actor in the past.
– The deadline for submissions has passed.
– The store is located past the park.
In all of these sentences, “past” is used to describe a time, location, or a state of being.
Common Mistakes When Using “Passed” and “Past”
One of the main reasons that “passed” and “past” are so often confused is that they can sound similar when spoken aloud. Here are some common mistakes made when using these words:
1. Confusing “passed” with “past” in writing
For example:
– I walked past her on my way to the store.
– The time has passed for submitting the application.
2. Using the present tense form of “pass” when the past tense is required
For example:
– Yesterday, I “pass” my driving test. (Incorrect)
– Yesterday, I “passed” my driving test. (Correct)
3. Using “passed” instead of “past” when describing a time or event
For example:
– He was a great baseball player that “passed.” (Incorrect)
– He was a great baseball player in the “past.” (Correct)
Conclusion
To summarize, “passed” and “past” may sound similar but have different meanings and uses. “Passed” is a verb, indicating movement or progress, while “past” is an adjective or a preposition, indicating a time or a location.
By understanding their proper usage, you can avoid common errors and improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing. Always proofread your work to ensure that you have used the correct word in the correct context.
To conclude, if you want to use “passed” or “past” in the right way, it is essential to understand their meaning, use, and context. Use the examples given in this article to help you accurately apply these two words in your writing. Make sure to proofread your work carefully to avoid any mistakes and ensure your writing is clear and concise.