Answer: The Past Tense of Hide is Hid
The past tense of “hide” is “hid.” This simple yet commonly used verb follows an irregular pattern in English, which can sometimes cause confusion for learners. Understanding the different tenses of “hide” can improve both your writing and speaking skills. In this blog, we will explore the correct usage of “hid” and its other forms, along with examples to help you grasp the concept more clearly.
Understanding the Verb “Hide”
“Hide” is a verb that means to conceal something or someone from view or to keep something secret. It is an irregular verb, which means it does not follow the regular “-ed” pattern for past tense verbs in English.
- Present: Hide
- Past: Hid
- Past Participle: Hidden
Many English learners tend to mistakenly use “hided” as the past tense, but that is incorrect. The correct past tense form is “hid.”
Examples of “Hid” in Sentences
- She hid the birthday gift under the bed.
- The cat hid under the couch when it heard the thunder.
- He hid his emotions behind a smile.
- They hid in the basement during the storm.
Each of these sentences demonstrates how “hid” is used in different contexts to refer to an action that happened in the past.
The Past Participle “Hidden”
Apart from the simple past tense “hid,” “hide” also has a past participle form, which is “hidden.” This form is used with auxiliary verbs like “have,” “has,” or “had” to create perfect tenses.
Examples:
- She has hidden the keys in a safe place.
- The treasure had been hidden for centuries before it was discovered.
- I have hidden my diary where no one can find it.
Using “hidden” correctly is important, especially when forming sentences in the present perfect, past perfect, or passive voice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect: She hided behind the tree.
- Correct: She hid behind the tree.
- Incorrect: The book was hid under the pillow.
- Correct: The book was hidden under the pillow.
By remembering these distinctions, you can improve your command of English grammar and avoid common errors.
The past tense of “hide” is “hid,” and its past participle is “hidden.” Understanding and practicing these forms will help you use them correctly in different tenses. Next time you write or speak in English, ensure you apply the correct form to enhance your fluency and accuracy.
Common Doubts