Confusawords The difference between Passed and Past

EWC4U Winter 2007 PASSED AND PAST If you’re like most students, the meaning of the words “past” and “passed” can become confusing. When put into context, passed and past can easily be mixed up to create a different meaning, but you will soon discover how easy it is to understand them.

EWC4U Winter 2007 What does PASSED mean? PASSED could mean to be transferred from one to another; circulate. It could also mean to come to an end. Considered to be a verb.

EWC4U Winter 2007 We use PASSED to say… Sean’s cat PASSED away last night. In this sentence passed means to come to an end. Tim PASSED his birthday card around so that every one could see it. In this sentence passed means to transfer from one to another.

EWC4U Winter 2007 To remember PASSED… Passed could mean to transfer Or it could mean to end, Although sometimes it may seem like a blur Both meanings will never blend The meaning of PASSED can be remembered by this rhyme;

EWC4U Winter 2007 What does PAST mean? PAST could mean time gone by It could also mean events that have previously happened; history. Considered to be a verb.

EWC4U Winter 2007 We use PAST to say… Jeff and his wife think about the past as they look through old photo albums. In this sentence past refers to previous events. At half past two the bell rang. In this sentence past refers to time going by.

EWC4U Winter 2007 How to remember PAST… Past can mean time gone by It can also mean historical events But if you really, really try You’ll see that PASSED and PAST have different contents The meaning of PAST can be remembered by this rhyme;

EWC4U Winter 2007 Now you know!!! Now you know your PASSED and PAST next time you won’t have to ask!!!!