"Wear" is an irregular verb that describes donning clothes or the effects of time, with forms that shift in a unique pattern. This article examines its past tense, past participle, and meanings, and provides examples for better understanding.
What Is the Past Tense of "Wear"?
"Wear" is an irregular verb and its simple past tense is "wore". This form applies universally (e.g., "I wore," "he wore," "they wore") and reflects a completed action in the past.
Wore in Sentence Examples
- She wore a red dress to the party last night.
- The team wore matching jerseys during the game.
- He wore a smile despite the tough day.
"Wore" captures past moments of wearing something, whether literal or figurative.
"Wear" as a Past Participle
The past participle of "wear" is "worn." Used in perfect tenses or passive voice with auxiliaries like "has," "had," or "be," it shows completed actions or resulting states.
Worn in Sentence Examples
- I have worn these shoes for years, and they’re still comfy.
- By evening, the old coat had been worn thin by the wind.
- The path was worn smooth by countless footsteps.
"Worn" adds a sense of duration or wear-and-tear to your sentences.
The Different Meanings of "Wear"
"Wear" spans physical, emotional, and metaphorical uses. Here are its key meanings with past forms illustrated.
a. To Have on the Body (Clothing or Accessories)
- Past tense: He wore a hat to shield his eyes from the sun.
- Past participle: She has worn that necklace since her wedding day.
b. To Deteriorate or Erode
- Past tense: The tires wore down after months of rough roads.
- Past participle: The cliffs have been worn away by the sea.
c. To Display or Bear (Figurative)
- Past tense: She wore a look of determination all day.
- Past participle: His patience has been worn thin by delays.
d. To Endure or Last
- Past tense: The fabric wore well despite frequent washing.
- Past participle: These boots have worn better than expected.
"Wear" weaves through English with remarkable flexibility.
Examples of "Wear" in Sentences
Using "Wore" (Past Tense)
- The kids wore costumes for the school play.
- The chair wore a dent from years of use.
- He wore out his welcome with constant complaints.
Using "Worn" (Past Participle)
- The rug has been worn bare in high-traffic areas.
- She had worn herself out preparing for the event.
- These gloves were worn during the championship match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is "weared" ever correct?
No, "weared" is not a valid form. Use "wore" for the past tense and "worn" for the past participle.
What’s the difference between "wore" and "worn"?
"Wore" is the simple past (e.g., "I wore a jacket"), while "worn" pairs with auxiliaries for perfect tenses or passive voice (e.g., "I have worn it").
Can "wear" apply to non-physical things?
Yes, like "wear a smile" or "wear patience thin." Tip: Think of "wear" as carrying or showing something over time.
Why do we say "worn out" so often?
"Worn out" is a common idiom meaning exhausted or depleted, rooted in the verb’s sense of gradual erosion.
Conclusion
The past tense of "wear"—"wore"—and its past participle—"worn"—unlock a world of expression, from fashion to fatigue. By understanding its forms and uses, you’ll wield this verb with precision in any context. Keep practicing, and "wear" your English skills proudly!