674. Confusing Words – Past and Passed

The word past is a noun. Things that happened before now have occurred in the past.
In the past, I have worried about too many things.
We have been studying historical events that happened in the past.

The word passed is a verb – the past tense of the verb pass.
I hope I can pass my test today. I just found out that I passed my test!
On the highway, I sometimes pass another car. I just passed that slow car.

Use the word past as a noun. Use the word passed as a past-tense verb.

▶It’s your turn. Decide if you should use past or passed in this sentence: My sister just ___ her driver’s test! Did you choose the verb? Good for you!