How to Use Find Past Tense (Found vs Found)

What's the past tense of "find"?

The simple past tense of find is found, and the past participle is also found. Use found for both simple past and past participle forms.

Definition of find

The Oxford English Dictionary defines find as "to discover or perceive by chance or unexpectedly." It's an irregular verb that doesn't follow the standard "-ed" pattern for past tenses.

• The past tense of find is found.
• The past participle of find is found.

Verb forms of 'find'

Examples of 'find' in sentences

Here are some examples of how to use the different forms of find in sentences:

Simple Present

• I find it difficult to concentrate.
• She finds the book interesting.

Simple Past

• I found my keys under the couch.
• She found a new job last week.

Past Participle

• I have found the perfect solution.
• The treasure was found by archaeologists.

Present Perfect

• She has found her missing wallet.
• We have found a great restaurant.

Common mistakes with 'find'

Here are some common mistakes people make when using the verb find:

❌ Incorrect

• I finded my keys. (Should be "found")
• She has finded the answer. (Should be "found")
• We finded the solution. (Should be "found")

✅ Correct

• I found my keys.
• She has found the answer.
• We found the solution.

Quiz: Test your knowledge

Choose the correct form of find for each sentence:

1. I _____ my wallet yesterday.
   • find
   • found
   • finded
2. She has _____ the perfect dress.
   • find
   • found
   • finded
3. They _____ the answer to the problem.
   • find
   • found
   • finded

Answers: 1. found, 2. found, 3. find

Summary

The verb find is irregular, with found as both the simple past tense and past participle. Remember that irregular verbs don't follow the standard "-ed" pattern, so it's important to memorize their forms. Practice using these forms in context to become more comfortable with them.