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The verb to throw · Conjugation

Past Simple of throw

The answer: threw

A2

A finished action at a definite time in the past.

This page for:

Quick answer

The Past Simple of the verb to throw is threw.

Example: She threw the ball over the fence.

Full conjugation in the Past Simple

PronounForm
Ithrew
Youthrew
He / She / Itthrew
Wethrew
You (pl.)threw
Theythrew

Common mistakes to avoid

1. He through the ball ❌

Threw and through sound the same (/θruː/), but they mean different things. Threw = the Past Simple of throw (verb). Through = a preposition (through the door). People often confuse them in writing.

2. Throwed ❌

Throw is an irregular verb. Its Past Simple is threw, never throwed.

3. I threw my old toys ❌

When you put something in the bin, say throw away (or throw out): I threw away my old toys. I threw my old toys means you sent them through the air!

Practice quiz

Question 1 / 3The Big Challenge question bank

Complete the sentence: Yesterday, he _____ the ball over the fence.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the past tense of throw?+

The Past Simple of throw is threw (said /θruː/). The past participle is thrown. Throw → threw → thrown.

Is it threw or through?+

Threw (/θruː/) is the Past Simple of the verb throw. Through (/θruː/) is a preposition: through the window. Same sound, but a different meaning and spelling. People often mix them up in writing.

Why is it not throwed?+

Because throw is an irregular verb. Its Past Simple is threw and its past participle is thrown. Never throwed.

What does throw away mean?+

Throw away (or throw out) means to put something in the bin because you don't want it any more: I threw away my old shoes. You throw something in the bin (UK) or in the trash can (US).

How do you pronounce threw?+

Threw is said /θruː/. The th is the sound /θ/: put your tongue between your teeth. It sounds exactly like through.

Related pages: throw Past Simple

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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 →

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More forms of the verb to throw are coming soon.