What’s the past tense of “bind”?
To bind is to tie, fasten, or secure something tightly. We “bind” books, wounds, or even agreements (as in, “The contract binds both parties.”). The verb is used in both literal and figurative senses in English, from physical tying to legal obligations and emotional connections.
“Bind” is an irregular verb, and its forms are not created in the standard way (e.g., not “binded”). Instead, it follows a unique pattern, which is important to know for both writing and speech.
Figuratively, you’ll encounter “bind” in expressions like “bound by duty” or “time-bound,” emphasizing commitment or restriction.
Forms of the verb “bind”
| Present | Past | Future | |
|---|---|---|---|
| simple | I bind | I bound | I will bind |
| continuous | I am binding | I was binding | I will be binding |
| perfect | I have bound | I had bound | I will have bound |
| perfect continuous | I have been binding | I had been binding | I will have been binding |
Is “bind” a regular or irregular verb?
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.
| Base Verb | Past Tense | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|
| bind | bound | bound |
| find | found | found |
| wind | wound | wound |
Quotes from literature and the media
Whether the taxation laws could bind Ireland.
[In science] The coral soil is basically composed of calcium carbonate which will bind strontium-90.
The fruit [Medler-tree]..is somewhat austere, and binds the bowels.
Mix together the stuffing ingredients, binding with beaten egg.
My father bound him hand and foot and threw him into a ditch.
A wounded leg is bound but not tied; a string is tied but not bound.
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”?
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What is the past participle of “bind”?
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Is “binded” ever correct?
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Is “bind” a regular or irregular verb?
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What are some common phrases with “bound”?
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Sources
- 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, https://www.oxforddnb.com/.../odnb-9780198614128-e-6549
- 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, https://www.oxforddnb.com/.../odnb-9780198614128-e-15143
Yash, D. "How to Use Bind or Bound (Explained, Examples & Worksheet)." Grammarflex, Sep 27, 2025, https://grammarflex.com/bind-or-bound/.
