The verb to bend · Conjugation
Past Simple of bend
The answer: bent
A2
A finished action at a definite time in the past.
Quick answer
The Past Simple of the verb to bend is bent.
Example: She bent down to pick up her keys.
Full conjugation in the Past Simple
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| I | bent |
| You | bent |
| He / She / It | bent |
| We | bent |
| You (pl.) | bent |
| They | bent |
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Bended ❌
Bend is an irregular verb. The -d becomes -t: send → sent, spend → spent, lend → lent, bend → bent.
2. On bended knee: an old exception
This fixed expression means kneeling on one knee, often to ask someone to marry you. Everywhere else, always use bent.
3. Bend = to make curved, or to move down
The meaning depends on the sentence. Bend a metal bar: make it curved. Bend down: move your body lower. Bend a rule: change it a little.
Practice quiz
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Frequently asked questions
What is the past tense of bend?+
The Past Simple of bend is bent (the final -d becomes -t). The past participle is the same: bent. Bend → bent → bent.
Why is it bent and not bended?+
Bend is an irregular verb. The final -d becomes -t in the past, like send → sent, spend → spent and lend → lent.
What does bend over mean?+
Bend over means to move the top of your body forward and down. Bend down means to move your body lower, for example to pick something up. Bend backwards means to curve your body back. Bend a rule means to change a rule a little.
Is it didn't bend or didn't bent?+
Say didn't bend: She didn't bend her knees. After didn't, use the base form → bend.
Is bended a word?+
Only in one old expression: on bended knee (kneeling on one knee, for example to ask someone to marry you). Everywhere else, use bent.
Related pages: bend Past Simple
Pages on a similar topic or with a similar use, so you can keep exploring.
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/verbs/bend/past-simple
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.
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More forms of the verb to bend are coming soon.