Past Tense of “think”
The past simple of “think” is “thought” and the past participle is “thought”. Below are the pronunciation, three example sentences, the mistake learners make most often, and a short drill to check yourself.
Forms of “think”
think – thought – thought
believe; use your mind
- Base form
- think/θɪŋk/
- Past simple
- thought/θɔːt/
- Past participle
- thought/θɔːt/
- -ing form
- thinking
- He / she / it
- thinks
Pronunciation (US)
Quick practice
5 questions. Type the missing form.
Example sentences
Three everyday sentences that show how the forms are used.
Past simple
I thought the shop was open on Sundays.
Past participle
Have you thought about my offer?
Past simple
We thought the test was easy.
The most common mistake
Wrong
I thinked it was a good idea.
Correct
I thought it was a good idea.
“Think” is irregular: think – thought – thought. Do not confuse “thought” /θɔːt/ with “taught” /tɔːt/ (from teach).
Verbs with the same pattern
Past = participle. Learn these together.