The past tense of the verb "multiply" is multiplied.
The Exact Answer: Multiplied
The verb "multiply" is a regular verb in English. To form its simple past tense and past participle, the general rule is to add "-ed" to the base form. However, because "multiply" ends in a 'y' that is preceded by a consonant ('l'), the 'y' transforms into an 'i' before the "-ed" ending is added. This linguistic rule results in the form multiplied for both the simple past tense and the past participle. This form is universally recognized and documented in English grammar resources and dictionaries.
Understanding Regular Verb Conjugation
Regular verbs follow predictable patterns for creating their past tenses. For verbs like "multiply" that end in a consonant immediately followed by 'y', the specific rule dictates changing the 'y' to 'i' before appending '-ed'.
- Base Form: multiply
- Simple Past Tense: multiplied
- Past Participle: multiplied
This consistent application of the rule establishes "multiplied" as both the simple past tense and the past participle of "multiply."
Usage of 'Multiplied' in Sentences
Understanding the correct usage of "multiplied" in various contexts is essential for clear communication. Below are examples demonstrating its application as both a simple past tense verb and a past participle.
Simple Past Tense Examples
When "multiplied" functions as the simple past tense, it describes an action that was completed at a specific time in the past.
- Yesterday, the scientist multiplied the bacteria cultures for his experiment.
- The company multiplied its profits after a successful marketing campaign last quarter.
- She efficiently multiplied the figures to arrive at the total sum.
- Their efforts ultimately multiplied the positive impact on the community.
Past Participle Examples
As a past participle, "multiplied" is used in conjunction with auxiliary verbs (such as 'have', 'has', 'had', or forms of 'be') to construct perfect tenses or the passive voice.
- Present Perfect: The number of users has multiplied significantly since the app launched.
- Past Perfect: By the time the forecast was released, the storm's intensity had multiplied.
- Future Perfect: By next year, they will have multiplied their franchise locations.
- Passive Voice: The effect of the treatment was multiplied by the supportive care provided.
Verb Conjugation Table for 'Multiply'
Here is a clear overview of the verb "multiply" and its principal forms:
| Verb Form | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Base Form | The infinitive without 'to' | They always multiply by ten. |
| Simple Past Tense | Action completed in the past | She multiplied the recipe ingredients. |
| Past Participle | Used with auxiliary verbs | We have multiplied our output. |
| Present Participle | Used in progressive tenses | The cells are multiplying rapidly. |
| Third Person Singular | Present tense for he/she/it | He multiplies complex numbers effortlessly. |
Practical Insights and Tips
- Regular Verb Rule: Always remember that for regular verbs ending in a consonant + 'y', the 'y' must change to 'i' before adding '-ed' for both the simple past and past participle forms. Common examples include apply/applied, reply/replied, and carry/carried.
- Contextual Clues: The specific meaning and grammatical role of "multiplied" are often clarified by the surrounding words and the overall sentence structure. This helps in distinguishing between its use as a simple past tense verb and a past participle.
- Avoid Common Errors: A frequent mistake is to simply add '-ed' to "multiply" without altering the 'y' (e.g., "multiplyed"), which is grammatically incorrect. Always ensure the 'y' changes to an 'i' for this category of verbs.
For more detailed information on English verb conjugations and grammar rules, you can consult authoritative resources such as Purdue OWL or the Cambridge Dictionary.
