One of my regular grammar traps is knowing when to use passed and when to use past. I know the difference when I stop and think about it, but when I’m writing quickly, I sometimes find myself pausing and asking, “Is it passed or past?”

To save myself time, and another trip to a dictionary or grammar website, here’s a quick reference guide. Hopefully it helps you too.

Passed

Passed is a verb. Something is happening.

Examples:

  • She passed the test.
  • The car passed me.
  • Time passed quickly.

Past

Past usually refers to time, position, or direction.

Examples:

  • We walked past the library.
  • Learn from the past.
  • It is half past three.

Quick Tip

If an action is taking place, use passed.

If you’re referring to time, location, or history, use past.

Common Mistakes

❌ I walked passed the shop.

✅ I walked past the shop.

❌ The weeks past quickly.

✅ The weeks passed quickly.