The past tense of bend is bent. This is an irregular verb, meaning it does not follow the standard rule of adding "-ed" to form its past tense.
Understanding the Verb "Bend"
The verb "bend" refers to shaping something into a curve or angle, or to move your body or a part of your body so that it is not straight. As an irregular verb, both its simple past tense and its past participle form are "bent."
Irregular Verb Conjugation
Unlike regular verbs that form their past tense by adding -ed (e.g., walk -> walked), irregular verbs have unique past tense forms. "Bend" is one such verb where the vowel sound changes.
Here's a quick overview of its forms:
| Form | Verb "Bend" |
|---|---|
| Base Form | bend |
| Simple Past | bent |
| Past Participle | bent |
| Present Participle | bending |
| Third Person Singular | bends |
For more information on irregular verbs, you can refer to resources like the Cambridge Dictionary's irregular verbs list.
Practical Examples and Usage
"Bent" is used in various contexts to describe actions that have already occurred.
Examples in Sentences:
- Simple Past:
- He bent down to pick up the dropped keys.
- The strong wind bent the branches of the old oak tree.
- She accidentally bent the metal ruler.
- Past Participle (often with "have," "has," "had," or in passive voice):
- The frame of his bicycle was bent in the accident.
- They have bent over backward to help us with this project.
- Having bent the rules once, he found it easier to do so again.
Common Phrases with "Bent":
- "Bent out of shape": Meaning angry or upset, or physically distorted.
- "Don't get bent out of shape over such a minor issue."
- "Bent on something": Meaning determined to do something, often something bad or harmful.
- "He seemed bent on proving everyone wrong."
Understanding the correct past tense of verbs like "bend" is crucial for clear and accurate communication in English.
