Dive Past Tense

Dive Past Forms - Exercises

These exercises test different forms of the verb DIVE and IRREGULAR VERBS

for a specific purpose. It can also mean to deeply explore or investigate something.

Example:

• "I dive into the pool every morning."

• "She dives into her work with great enthusiasm."

When referring to past actions, "dive" changes to either "dived" or "dove", depending on the variety of English.

Forms of "Dive"

Examples of "Dive" in Sentences

Past Tense (dived or dove):

1. Referring to jumping into water or downward movement:

• "He dived into the lake to rescue the dog." (British English)

• "She dove off the diving board with perfect form." (American English)

• "I dove to the ground when the ball came flying toward me."

2. Referring to exploring or investigating deeply:

• "She dived into the archives to find historical documents." (British English)

• "He dove into the details of the problem to find a solution." (American English)

Past Participle (dived):

1. Referring to jumping into water or downward movement:

• "The divers have dived into this lake before."

• "She had dived into the water just before the storm began."

2. Referring to exploring or investigating deeply:

• "He has dived deeply into the subject of climate change."

• "They had dived into every possible theory before choosing the best one."

Common Mistakes with "Dive"

1. Using "dove" in British English contexts:

While "dove" is common in American English, British English only recognizes "dived" as correct.

• Incorrect (British English): "He dove into the river."

• Correct (British English): "He dived into the river."

• Correct (American English): "He dove into the river."

2. Mixing up past tense and past participle forms:

Learners sometimes confuse the simple past tense and the past participle forms of "dive."

• Incorrect: "She has dove into the ocean many times."

• Correct: "She has dived into the ocean many times."

• Incorrect: "They had dove to the seabed before the storm started."

• Correct: "They had dived to the seabed before the storm started."

3. Using "dive" instead of "plunge" or "jump" in non-literal contexts:

Sometimes "dive" is used where other verbs might be more appropriate.

• Incorrect: "The car dived into the water after the crash."

• Correct: "The car plunged into the water after the crash."

Irregular verbs are used in Past Simple - have a look at this lesson to have more practice. Also remember to check other Grammar Exercises A1 for more quizzes. Other irregular verbs include See, Ride, Seek.

FAQ

What is the past tense of "dive"?

The past tense of "dive" is "dived" in British English and "dove" in American English.

How do I use "dived" or "dove" in a sentence?

• British English: "He dived into the water with great speed."

• American English: "He dove into the water with great speed."

What is the past participle of "dive"?

The past participle of "dive" is always "dived" in both British and American English.

Is "dove" always correct in American English?

No, while "dove" is correct as the past tense in American English, the past participle remains "dived." Example: "He has dived into the ocean many times."

Can "dive" be used figuratively?

Yes! Example: "She dove into her studies to prepare for the exam," meaning she focused intently on her studies.