Walking past or passed – Understanding the usage and meaning
When we talk about walking, we often hear two words – ‘past’ and ‘passed’. Although both of them sound similar, they have different meanings and usage. Understanding the difference and correct usage is essential to avoid confusion and make a clear statement. In this article, we will explore the meaning, usage, and comparison of these two words.
Meaning of ‘past’ and ‘passed’
Before we dive into the usage, let us first understand the meaning of these two words.
Past – It is an adjective, preposition or adverb that refers to a time or a place that is no longer in existence. For example, ‘past days,’ ‘past events,’ ‘past life.’
Passed – It is the past participle form of the verb ‘to pass’ which means to go past someone or something or move from one place to another. For example, ‘passed the exam,’ ‘passed the car,’ ‘passed the finish line.’
Usage of ‘past’ and ‘passed’
Now that we understand the meaning of these words, let’s explore their usage.
Past:
1. Referring to time – ‘Past’ is used when referring to a time that is no longer current or relevant. For example, ‘Past midnight,’ ‘past two years,’ ‘past decade.’
2. Referring to distance – ‘Past’ is used when referring to a distance that has been traveled. For example, ‘He walked past my house,’ ‘The car drove past the bridge.’
3. As a preposition – ‘Past’ is used as a preposition when we refer to something that has already happened or passed. For example, ‘The concert ended past midnight,’ ‘I have no past experience in this field.’
Passed:
1. Referring to physical movements – ‘Passed’ is used when referring to a physical movement from one place to another. For example, ‘She passed the street corner,’ ‘Pass the turn to the left.’
2. Referring to achievements or exams – ‘Passed’ is used when we achieve or pass an exam. For example, ‘I passed the driving test,’ ‘He passed with flying colors.’
Comparison between ‘past’ and ‘passed’
We have explored the meaning and usage of these two words. Let us now compare them.
1. Meaning – ‘Past’ refers to a time, place or something that has already occurred, while ‘Passed’ refers to a physical movement.
2. Part of speech – ‘Past’ is an adjective, preposition or adverb, while ‘Passed’ is the past participle form of the verb ‘to pass’.
3. Usage – We use ‘Past’ when referring to time, distance and events. We use ‘Passed’ when referring to physical movements and achievements.
FAQs
1. Can I use ‘past’ or ‘passed’ interchangeably?
No, we cannot use them interchangeably as they have different meanings and usage.
2. Is it correct to say ‘I walked passed the store’?
No, the correct usage is ‘I walked past the store’.
3. Can ‘past’ be used as a present tense verb?
No, ‘past’ cannot be used as a present tense verb as it is not a verb.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘past’ and ‘passed’ may sound similar but have different meanings and usage. It is essential to understand their usage correctly to make a clear statement. ‘Past’ is used when referring to a time, distance or events that have already occurred, while ‘passed’ is used when referring to physical movements and achievements. By understanding the meaning and usage, we can avoid confusion and make effective communication.