past tense

[ past tens ]

noun

, Grammar.

1. (in English) the simple past.
2. any verb formation or construction used to express an action or state occurring in the past, such as, in English, the past progressive, present perfect, and pluperfect tenses.
3. an instance or form of a specific verb expressing a past action or state.

Word History and Origins

Origin of past tense¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

They've proposed that those that are too long or too short, in addition to those that don't use the past tense or a first-person pronoun.

From Salon

There’s something very sad about referring to Bruce Willis in the past tense, or the arrival of a book that serves as a career retrospective.

From Los Angeles Times

“Ah, look at this Erich, I’m using the past tense,” she wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

There seemed to be a few extra hugs and toasts at this tailgate with the school now in the past tense.

From Seattle Times

But in the finale, as his interrogator tells him, he’s done with the past tense.

From Salon