The verb to find · Conjugation
Past Simple of find
The answer: found
A2
A finished action at a definite time in the past.
Quick answer
The Past Simple of the verb to find is found.
Example: I found my keys under the sofa.
Full conjugation in the Past Simple
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| I | found |
| You | found |
| He / She / It | found |
| We | found |
| You (pl.) | found |
| They | found |
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Finded ❌
Find is an irregular verb. Its Past Simple is found, never finded.
2. I have find ❌
Like have → had → had, the Past Simple and the past participle are the same: found. So say I found it and I have found it.
3. Find or look for?
Find = the result. Look for = the action of searching. I'm looking for my keys (I am searching). I found my keys (the search is over).
Practice quiz
Going further
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Frequently asked questions
What is the past tense of find?+
The Past Simple of find is found, the same for every person. The past participle is also found (the same as the Past Simple).
What is the difference between find and found?+
Find is the base form (Present Simple, infinitive). Found is the Past Simple and the past participle. I find it easy (Present Simple). I found it yesterday (Past Simple). I have found it (Present Perfect).
Is it I found or I have found a solution?+
Both can be correct. I found a solution (Past Simple): a finished action, often with a time like yesterday. I have found a solution (Present Perfect): the result matters now, because the solution is here.
Is it didn't find or didn't found?+
Say didn't find: I didn't find my keys. After didn't, the verb goes back to its base form (find, not found).
Is it find or look for?+
Find is the result. Look for is the action of searching. I was looking for my keys and I found them under the sofa.
Related pages: find 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/find/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 find are coming soon.