Updated on October 04, 2025

Burst Past Tense

What Is The Past Tense Of Burst?

The past tense of burst is “burst.” The irregular verb “burst” remains the same in the present, past tense, and past participle, so you can easily remember it.

Base Form/Infinitive Form (V1)

burst

Present Form/3rd Person/Singular Form

bursts

Past Simple Tense Form (V2)

burst

Past Participle Form (V3)

burst

Present Participle/Gerund

bursting

How To Pronounce “Burst” Correctly? 

The word “burst” is pronounced as /bɜːst/ in the British accent and /bɜːrst/ in the American accent. 

Verb Forms

Pronunciation 

British English language

American English language

burst

/bɜːst/

/bɜːrst/

burst

(V2)

/bɜːst/

/bɜːrst/

burst

(V3)

/bɜːst/

/bɜːrst/

bursting

/ˈbɜːstɪŋ/

/ˈbɜːrstɪŋ/


What Are The Definitions Of Burst? How To Use It?

You can use the past tense of “burst” to refer to an event or action that happened and was completed before the time of speaking.

To break open or apart, usually from impact or from pressure inside. 

Example: Yesterday, the balloon burst when it hit a sharp object.

To feel strong emotions or have a strong wish to do something.

Example: This morning, he burst with excitement when he received his acceptance letter.

To suddenly/ forcefully move or come from a place.

Example: The thief opened the window and burst into her house last night.

To be filled/ very full to the breaking point.

Example: Last month, the river burst its banks due to heavy rainfall.

FAQs

What Are Some Common Collocations Of Burst?

  • Burst fire: a rapid succession of shots or gunfire, typically in short bursts rather than continuous firing.

Example: The soldiers used burst fire to suppress the enemy’s advance.

  • Burst of activity: a sudden and intense period of active behavior or work.

Example: As the deadline approached, there was a burst of activity in the office to complete the project.

  • Burst of light: a sudden and bright flash of light.

Example: The photographer captured a beautiful photo of a burst of light during the fireworks display.

  • Burst of speed: a sudden and rapid increase in pace.

Example: The athlete unleashed a burst of speed in the final stretch of the race.

What Does “Be Bursting/Bulging At The Seams” Mean?

The idiom “be bursting/bulging at the seams” is used to convey the idea of being extremely full, overcrowded, or overflowing with people, things, or activity.

Examples:

  • The stadium was bursting at the seams during the championship match. 

  • The small café is bursting at the seams with customers during the lunch rush. 

What Do “Burst Into” And “Burst Onto” Mean?

  • Burst into: suddenly produce something with great force.

Example: The child burst into tears when she realized she had lost her favorite toy.

  • Burst onto: emerge or appear suddenly and forcefully onto a scene or into a particular situation.

Example: The young singer burst onto the music scene with her debut album, captivating audiences with her powerful voice.

Exercises

Grammar References
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