What's the past tense of "split"?
The simple past tense of split is split, and the past participle is also split. Use split for both simple past and past participle forms.
Definition of split
The Oxford English Dictionary defines split as "to break or cause to break forcibly into parts, especially into halves or along the grain." It's used in various contexts, from physical division to separating groups or opinions.
- The past tense of split is split.
- The past participle of split is split.
Verb forms of 'split'
Is "split" a regular or irregular verb?
Note: Regular verbs end in -ed in the past tense. Any other verb ending is considered irregular.
The verb split is irregular. Its past tense and past participle forms are both split, not "splitted." This is a pattern shared with a small group of English verbs, and it's important to recognize when using "split" in different contexts.
When to use "split" (past) vs. "split" (participle)
The old photograph split down the middle.
We have split our shared responsibilities for the project.
The participle form of a verb (shown in the second sentence) uses the auxiliary verb have as a contraction, We have.
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.
Similar irregular verbs
Like split, these verbs remain unchanged in all forms (present, past, and past participle).
Sentence examples: split, split, split
• If the chicken is fairly small, you may simply split it in half.
• The Kremlin is deeply split in its approach to foreign policy.
• Identical twins come from a single fertilized egg that splits in two.
• In a severe gale the ship split in two.
• The two men agreed to split the proceeds.
• The cushion split open and sent feathers everywhere.
• Her dress had split along the seam.
• The country was split down the middle over the strike.
• He had split his trousers when he bent over.
Synonyms & nearby words
Synonyms for split
Nearby phrases
Origin of the word split
1580s (transitive and intransitive), not found in Middle English, probably from a Low German source such as Middle Dutch splitten, from Proto-Germanic *spleitanan. Brief historical context about the word's development.
Practice: "Split" conjugations
The dry log ______ cleanly with a single swing of the axe.
The group had already ______ into smaller teams before the project began.
The path ______ into two different directions about a mile ahead.
My head is ______ from the constant loud noise.
Let's ______ the cost of the meal so it's fair for everyone.
FAQs
Is "splitted" a correct form of "split"?
What is the past tense of split?
What is the past participle of split?
Why is "split" not "splitted"?
How do I use split in past perfect?
Sources
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Simpson, J. A., and E. S. C. Weiner. "Split, v." Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. Date of access 15 Jan. 2025.
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Harper, Douglas. "Etymology of split." Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/split. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
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