From gym sessions to kitchen prep, "sweat" is an irregular verb with dual past forms, tackling perspiration, effort, and cooking. This article sorts out its versatile forms and meanings, with examples to keep learners clear.
What Is the Past Tense of Sweat?
The past tense of "sweat" is "sweated" or "sweat," both correct for all subjects (e.g., I sweated, they sweat). It means to perspire, work hard, or cook slowly. The past participle is "sweated" or "sweat." Some sources suggest "sweat" is only for perspiration and "sweated" for effort, but this isn’t true—both forms work for both senses in American English. "Sweated" is standard for cooking and formal writing.
"Sweat" as a Past Tense
The simple past "sweated" or "sweat" shows past perspiration, effort, or cooking.
Past Tense Examples:
- I sweat in the sauna yesterday.
- She sweated over her project.
- They sweated the garlic last night.
"Sweat" as a Past Participle
The past participle "sweated" or "sweat" pairs with "have" or "be" (rare). "Sweated" is more common, especially for effort or cooking.
Past Participle Examples:
- We have sweated for every goal.
- By noon, he had sweated buckets.
- Onions were sweated for soup.
The Different Meanings of "Sweat"
"Sweat" spans body, effort, and kitchen.
a. To Perspire
Past tense: He sweat in the heat.
Past participle: She has sweated daily.
b. To Work Hard
Past tense: They sweated over the plan.
Past participle: We have sweated through tasks.
c. To Cook Slowly (Vegetables)
Past tense: I sweated the eggplant yesterday.
Past participle: The chef has sweated onions.
Examples of "Sweat" in Sentences
Using "Sweat" (Past Tense)
- I sweat through my shirt while running.
- She sweated over the exam.
- We sweated carrots for dinner.
Using "Sweat" (Past Participle)
- They have sweated in every race.
- He had sweated over decisions.
- Aromatics were sweated for flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is right, "sweated" or "sweat"?
Both are correct for perspiration and effort—don’t worry about suggestions that "sweat" is only for physical sweating or "sweated" just for hard work. Try "sweated" for cooking (e.g., I sweated onions) and formal writing; "sweat" is great for casual past tense (e.g., I sweat yesterday).
Why two forms?
Old English "swǣtan" split over time—American English keeps both for style and context.
What’s a phrase with "sweat"?
"No sweat" means easy (e.g., I fixed it, no sweat yesterday).
How do I use "sweat" in cooking?
Say "sweated" for softening veggies like onions or eggplant with low heat or salt (e.g., I sweated garlic). "Sweat" sounds odd here.
Is "sweat" informal?
Yes, as past tense, it’s chatty; "sweated" fits essays or recipes better.
Conclusion
Whether “sweat” or “sweated,” this verb powers through physical and mental tasks. Understanding its flexible forms lets you describe effort, heat, or cooking with precision, grounding your English in real-world contexts.