The second and third sentences use taught as a past participle, while the first sentence uses its simple past tense form. When identifying whether it’s the past participle or simple past tense form in use, look for the presence of an auxiliary verb (or, a “helper verb”). The presence of a helper/auxiliary verb, such as have/has/had, is a key marker that the verb form is indeed a participle, and not the past tense.

In the examples above, the auxiliary verbs are was and had, forming the simple past tense in a passive voice and the past perfect tense, respectively. Remember, a participle is not a tense in and of itself—so it follows an auxiliary verb so the tense (points in time) are able to be determined. To help you remember the difference between a participle and a tense, repeat the following: a participle must participate with a partner!

Similar irregular verbs

teach

Past: taught

Past part: taught

Sentence examples: teach, taught

Teach (present tense)

Examples:

• We'll teach you to do it the right way.

• He was determined to teach himself.

• The local guides are going to teach us how to use the blowpipe.

Taught (past tense & past participle)

Examples:

• All I know is what mom and dad taught me.

• She's been taught to avoid strangers.

• Anatomy was taught here in the 14th century.

Idioms with "teach"

to teach an old dog new tricks

It's hard getting someone settled in their ways to change their habits or behaviours.

failure teaches success

Experience is the greatest and hardest teacher.

to teach one the tricks of the trade

To introduce someone to the inner-workings of an industry.

to teach a man to fish

If you teach someone to do something, they'll be able to do it on their own.

those who can, do; those who can't, teach

An insulting idiom meaning that those who are unable do, and those who are unable to do, teach.

don't try to teach Grandma how to suck eggs!

Don't assume that because someone is old, they do not know or understand how things are.

Origin of the verb/word, teach

Old English tæcan, “to show, point out, declare, demonstrate,” also “to give instruction, train, assign, direct; warn; persuade,” from Proto-Germanic *taikijan “to show” (source also of Old High German zihan).

FAQs

What is the past tense of "teach"?

The past tense and past participle of the verb "teach" is "taught". Both the simple past and past participle forms use "taught" (not "teached").

Is "teached" a correct past tense word?

No, "teached" is incorrect and is not a word in English. The correct past tense form is "taught".

Why is "teach" an irregular verb?

"Teach" is irregular because its past tense form "taught" doesn't follow the standard pattern of adding "-ed" like regular verbs (e.g., "walk" becomes "walked").

What other verbs are like teach/taught?

Other irregular verbs with similar patterns include: catch/caught, buy/bought, bring/brought, think/thought, and seek/sought.

How is "taught" used in a sentence?

"Taught" is used for both simple past tense ("He taught for several years") and past participle ("I have taught many students").

Sources

"Teach." Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teach. Accessed 15 Jan. 2023.
Harper, Douglas. "Etymology of teach." Online Etymology Dictionary, Accessed 16 January, 2023.
"Teach." TheFreeDictionary.com. 2023. Farlex, Inc. 16 Jan. 2023