Past Tense for Sow: Sowed or Sown? (Pronunciation & Usage)

By Benjamin Essek

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:

  1. 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.
  1. 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

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Created on By Benjamin Essek

Past Tense For Sow

Correct the verb forms with these two questions below. All right, let's get to it:

1 / 7

Form and repair lawns and grass walks by laying turf and …….. perennial grass-seeds; mow the lawns frequently; plant evergreens.

2 / 7

They ………… the seeds of a rich religious popular literature in the East and the West.

3 / 7

It is next to be well plowed and harrowed; and about 10 lb of clover seed must be ………. on an acre in April or the end of March.

4 / 7

Pregnant ……….. exhibit a grossly enlarged abdomen during the later stages of pregnancy.

5 / 7

Then we ……… a mix of fescue and browntop bent, and irrigate immediately afterward to give a quick, even emergence.

6 / 7

On warm soils it grows best and ………. itself every year, surviving the winter, and growing much stronger.

7 / 7

In the first place there was the problem over how much spring barley to …………..

Your score is

The average score is 93%

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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.