“Passed” and “past” are homophones, meaning they sound alike but have different meanings and functions in sentences. “Passed” is the past tense of the verb “pass,” while “past” refers to time or distance and is never used as a verb. Distinguishing between these two words is essential for clear and accurate communication.
Passed
Definition:
“Passed” is the past tense of the verb “pass,” meaning to move beyond something, to go by, or to successfully complete an action.
Examples of use:
The House and Senate passed electronic signature bills.
We passed that town on the way to St. Louis.
She passed her final exams with flying colors.
Past
Definition:
“Past” refers to a time that has gone by or a position that is beyond a certain point. It can function as a noun, adjective, preposition, or adverb but is never a verb.
Examples of use:
The film covers computer history, from the past to the present.
We drove past that store yesterday.
Reflecting on the past helps us learn from our mistakes.
“Passed” is used when referring to an action that has been completed, often involving movement or the act of passing. In contrast, “past” relates to time or location and can be used in various grammatical contexts, but never as a verb. Knowing the difference between these words ensures their correct usage in writing and speech.
