Past Tense of “swim”
The past simple of “swim” is “swam” and the past participle is “swum”. Below are the pronunciation, three example sentences, the mistake learners make most often, and a short drill to check yourself.
Forms of “swim”
swim – swam – swum
move through water
- Base form
- swim/swɪm/
- Past simple
- swam/swæm/
- Past participle
- swum/swʌm/
- -ing form
- swimming
- He / she / it
- swims
Pronunciation (US)
Quick practice
5 questions. Type the missing form.
Example sentences
Three everyday sentences that show how the forms are used.
Past simple
We swam in the lake every day.
Past participle
Have you ever swum in the ocean?
Past simple
He swam across the river.
The most common mistake
Wrong
I swimmed for an hour.
Correct
I swam for an hour.
“Swim” is irregular: swim – swam – swum.
Verbs with the same pattern
All 3 forms different. Learn these together.