Sew Past Tense

Sew Past Forms - Exercises

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

The verb "sew" means to join or fasten pieces of fabric together using a needle and thread or to repair something by stitching.

Example:

• "I sew clothes for my family during my free time."

• "She sews buttons onto her coat when they fall off."

When referring to past actions, "sew" changes to "sewed."

Forms of "Sew"

Examples of "Sew" in Sentences

Past Tense (sewed):

1. "He sewed the torn pocket on his shirt last night."

2. "She sewed a quilt as a gift for her grandmother."

3. "They sewed their initials into their backpacks."

Past Participle (sewn or sewed):

Sewn: (more common in modern English)

1. "The tailor has sewn the fabric beautifully."

2. "I have sewn the buttons back onto my coat."

3. "Her wedding dress was sewn by hand."

Sewed: (still acceptable, especially in older or formal usage)

1. "He had sewed the pieces together before adding the lining."

2. "The repairs were sewed quickly but effectively."

Common Mistakes with "Sew"

1. Confusing "sewed" with "sewn":

Learners may mix up when to use "sewed" versus "sewn."

• Use "sewed" for the simple past tense. Example: "She sewed a new button onto the shirt."

• Use "sewn" as the preferred past participle with helping verbs like "has" or "had." Example: "The dress has been sewn by a professional."

2. Spelling Errors with "Sewing" or "Sewed":

The unusual spelling of "sew" can confuse learners, leading to incorrect forms like "sowing" or "seewed."

• Incorrect: "I am sowing a dress for my sister."

• Correct: "I am sewing a dress for my sister."

• Incorrect: "She seewed patches onto the jeans."

• Correct: "She sewed patches onto the jeans."

3. Misusing "sew" for other meanings:

Learners might confuse "sew" with homophones like "sow" (to plant seeds) or "so" (to indicate result or emphasis).

• Incorrect: "I sew seeds in my garden every spring."

• Correct: "I sow seeds in my garden every spring."

Irregular verbs are essential in the Past Simple tense—explore this lesson for more practice. Don’t forget to check out other Grammar Exercises A1 for additional quizzes. Examples of irregular verbs are Ski, Hear, and Throw.

FAQ

What is the past tense of "sew"?

The past tense of "sew" is "sewed."

How do I use "sewed" in a sentence?

Use "sewed" to describe sewing actions that happened in the past.
Example: "I sewed a patch onto my jacket yesterday."

What is the past participle of "sew"?

The past participle of "sew" can be either "sewed" or "sewn." "Sewn" is more commonly used in modern English.
Example: "The curtains have been sewn perfectly to fit the windows."

Is "sowed" a form of "sew"?

No, "sowed" is the past tense of "sow," which means to plant seeds. It is unrelated to "sew."

Can "sew" be used figuratively?

Yes! For example: "She sewed together the fragments of the story," meaning she pieced the details together.