Past tense of be
The past simple of be is was / were and the past participle is been: be – was / were – been.
- Base form V1
- be
- Past simple V2
- was / were
- Past participle V3
- been
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See what be means, with examples and a translation into your language.
Check in the appBe, was / were, been in sentences
- Past simpleThe film was really good.
- Past participleI have been to Spain twice.
Common mistakes
bedwas / were. Be is irregular, so it does not take -ed.I have was to Spain twice.I have been to Spain twice. After have, use the past participle, been.
Similar verbs
All three forms different, like be: do, go, know, see, take, give, write, speak.
Common questions
What is the past tense of be?
Was / were. For example: The film was really good.
What is the past participle of be?
Been. It follows have in the perfect tenses, as in I have been to Spain twice.
Is be a regular verb?
No. Be is irregular: its past forms do not end in -ed.
