past
The past refers to the period of time that has already happened before the present moment. It includes all previous events, experiences, and people that are no longer here.
Examples
3 of 5I liked learning about the past in my history class at school.
I liked learning about the past in my history class at school.
The museum displays many interesting objects from our nation's past.
The museum displays many interesting objects from our nation's past.
Don't worry about what happened; it is all in the past now.
Don't worry about what happened; it is all in the past now.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 't' in past as a stop sign at the end of a road; it marks the end of what has already happened.
Quick Quiz
We cannot change the ____, but we can work for a better future.
Correct!
The correct answer is: past
Examples
I liked learning about the past in my history class at school.
everydayI liked learning about the past in my history class at school.
The museum displays many interesting objects from our nation's past.
formalThe museum displays many interesting objects from our nation's past.
Don't worry about what happened; it is all in the past now.
informalDon't worry about what happened; it is all in the past now.
Historians analyze the past to explain how modern societies developed.
academicHistorians analyze the past to explain how modern societies developed.
Looking at the company's past performance helps us plan for next year.
businessLooking at the company's past performance helps us plan for next year.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
living in the past
thinking too much about old times
a blast from the past
something that suddenly reminds you of the past
things of the past
things that no longer exist or happen
Often Confused With
'Passed' is the past tense of the verb 'to pass' (e.g., He passed the ball), whereas 'past' is the noun for previous time.
Usage Notes
When used as a noun, 'past' almost always requires the definite article 'the'. It can also function as an adjective or a preposition.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the verb form 'passed' when they should use the noun 'past'. For example, writing 'in the passed' instead of 'in the past'.
Memory Tip
Think of the 't' in past as a stop sign at the end of a road; it marks the end of what has already happened.
Word Origin
Derived from Middle English, originally appearing as the past participle of the verb 'passen' (to pass).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, there is a strong emphasis on 'learning from the past' to ensure a better future.
Quick Quiz
We cannot change the ____, but we can work for a better future.
Correct!
The correct answer is: past
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Yesterday refers to the day immediately before today. It is...
agoUsed to indicate a point in time that is a specific distance...
centuryA century is a period of 100 years. It is a common unit of t...
historyHistory is the study of past events, especially those relate...
previousThe word previous describes something that happened or exist...
memoryMemory is the ability of your brain to store and remember in...
More Time words
lifetime
A1A lifetime is the entire period of time that a person is alive. It can also refer to the length of time that an object, like a machine, works correctly.
Monday
A1Monday is the day of the week between Sunday and Tuesday. In many parts of the world, it is regarded as the first day of the working and school week.
Tuesday
A1Tuesday is the third day of the week, positioned between Monday and Wednesday. In most Western cultures and business environments, it is regarded as the second day of the standard work week.
Thursday
A1Thursday is the day of the week that comes after Wednesday and before Friday. It is typically considered the fourth day of the working week in most Western countries.
Saturday
A1Saturday is the day of the week that follows Friday and comes before Sunday. It is widely considered the first day of the weekend and is typically a day for rest or leisure in many cultures.
Sunday
A1Sunday is the seventh day of the week, positioned between Saturday and Monday. In many parts of the world, it is considered the final day of the weekend and is typically a day for rest or religious activities.
weekend
A1The weekend is the period of time at the end of the week, typically including Saturday and Sunday. It is generally a time when people do not work or attend school and use the time for rest or leisure.
yesterday
A1Yesterday refers to the day immediately before today. It is used to describe events, actions, or states that occurred in the very recent past, specifically one day ago.
day after tomorrow
A1The day that comes after the one that follows today. It refers to a point in time two days into the future from the current day.
day before yesterday
A1The day that occurred immediately before yesterday, referring to two days ago from today. It is used to pinpoint a specific time in the recent past in relation to the current day.
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