What Is The Past Tense For Sow?
The past tense of to sow is “sowed” which is spelled S-O-W-E-D with the suffix -ED. How about other forms of “sow”? Move on to the next section.
The 3rd-person singular simple present indicative form: “sows”.
The past participle of sow: “sown”.
The present participle/gerund: “sowing”.
Check this summary table for clarification:
Base Form/To-infinitive (V1) | Sow |
Present Form (V2) | Sows |
Past Form (V3) | Sowed |
Past Participle Form (V4) | Sown |
Present Participle/Gerund (V5) | Sowing |
Not just the primary forms above, this verb will be modified in 12 different English tenses, along with the details in this link. Click on it to explore the new.
How Do You Spell This Word?
Look up the Oxford English Dictionary to discover how to enunciate the word in American English and English accents. Not to mention, this table here will describe the verb’s pronunciation in five distinct styles:
Form of word | Pronunciation | |
British English | American English | |
Sow | /səʊ/ | /səʊ/ |
Sows | /səʊz/ | /səʊz/ |
Sowed | /səʊd/ | /səʊd/ |
Sown | /səʊn/ | /səʊn/ |
Sowing | /ˈsəʊɪŋ/ | /ˈsəʊɪŋ/ |
The Sowed Definition & Sow Definition
Another awaited part: Learn the meaning of this word in Oxford Dictionary with these definitions and handy examples:
- To spread or plant seeds on or in the ground.
E.g.:
- Farmers already sowed rows of lettuces next to other plants and vegetables.
- My uncles had just sown rows of beans in their enticing gardens.
- To extend or introduce ideas or feelings, notably ones causing trouble.
E.g.:
- Jannie sowed doubt in my mind with her bizarre behaviors.
- The wee girl had actually sown doubt in everyone’s mind, yet she might not be aware of it.
Quick Exercises To Sharpen Your Skills
FAQs
Now, we will dig deeper into some relevant queries.
Is Sow An Irregular Verb?
Yes, it is an irregular verb and acts as a transitive or intransitive verb in sentences.
Is It Sowed Or Sown?
The correct past tense is “sowed.” Either “sown” or “sowed” might work as the past participle (in several cultures), yet the former is more popular (like show past tense).
What Is The Difference Between Noun And Verb Forms Of This Word?
As a noun, it implies “a female pig”, especially one that has given birth to a litter of piglets. It comes from the Ancient English word “su” or “sugu”, signifying hog or pig. “Sows” is the plural form of this noun.
Are There Any Idioms Used With This Verb?
Yes. Here are three far-out idioms you should employ to polish your English speaking skills:
- you reap what you sow: (saying) you must cope with the adverse effects or results of things you originally began
Example: I am not much of a nosy person, yet I believe you reap what you sow. Be careful!
- sow wild oats: (of young men) to undergo a stage of wild behavior when you’re young, notably having demands for sexual or romantic relationships
Example: John is still young. He desires to leave home, sow his wild oats and gain new things.
- sow the seeds of something: to begin the process leading to a specific result or situation
Example: In this way, the wee boy sowed the seeds of his later success.

His name is Benjamin Essek – The founder of Grammar Wiki. He is an English native speaker and has joined many English classes, learning communities to support other people with this common language as well.