What's the past tense of "bind"?
The simple past tense of bind is bound, and the past participle is also bound. Use bound for both simple past and past participle forms.
Definition of bind
The Oxford English Dictionary defines bind as "to tie, fasten, or secure something tightly." It's used in both literal and figurative senses, from physical tying to legal obligations.
- The past tense of bind is bound.
- The past participle of bind is bound.
Verb forms of 'bind'
Is "bind" a regular or irregular verb?
Note: Regular verbs end in -ed in the past tense. Any other verb ending is considered irregular.
The verb bind is irregular. Its past tense and past participle forms are both bound, not “binded.” This is a pattern shared with a small group of English verbs, and it’s important to recognize when using "bind" in different contexts.
When to use "bound" (past) vs. "bound" (participle)
She bound the package this morning.
I've bound the documents together.
The participle form of a verb (shown in the second sentence) uses the auxiliary verb have as a contraction, I've.
When auxiliaries like have or had appear in the same sentence as a past participle verb form, this indicates that the verb's aspect is in the present or past perfect, and not the simple past tense.
Remember, a participle always uses a helper verb to form the complete tense or aspect. Simple tenses, on the other hand, can stand on their own.
Sentence examples: bind, bound, bound
• I bind the books together with string.
• The contract binds both parties to the agreement.
• Please bind the wound with a bandage.
• She bound the bouquet with a ribbon.
• He bound his wounds before continuing.
• The agreement bound them to secrecy.
• The documents have been bound together.
• I have bound myself to this commitment.
• The treaty was bound by international law.
Synonyms & nearby words
Synonyms for bind
Nearby phrases
Practice: “Bind” conjugations
She ______ the package with string before mailing it.
The agreement is legally ______ on both parties.
They have ______ together through thick and thin.
He ______ his wounds before continuing the hike.
I will ______ the documents together for you.
FAQs
What is the past tense of "bind"?
What is the past participle of "bind"?
Is "binded" ever correct?
Is "bind" a regular or irregular verb?
What are some common phrases with "bound"?
Sources
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Henderson, T. F., and John D. Haigh. "Crabb, George (1778–1851), lawyer and writer." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. September 23, 2004. Oxford University Press. Date of access 4 Sep. 2025.
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Hinchliff, Peter, and John Prest. "Jowett, Benjamin (1817–1893), master of Balliol College." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. January 05, 2006. Oxford University Press. Date of access 4 Sep. 2025.
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