The verb to withstand · Conjugation
Past Simple of withstand
The answer: withstood
A2
A finished action at a definite time in the past.
Quick answer
The Past Simple of the verb to withstand is withstood.
Example: The house withstood the storm.
Full conjugation in the Past Simple
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| I | withstood |
| You | withstood |
| He / She / It | withstood |
| We | withstood |
| You (pl.) | withstood |
| They | withstood |
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Withstand → withstood → withstood
It works like stand → stood → stood. Never withstanded.
2. Notwithstanding
Notwithstanding = despite, in formal or legal English. Don't use it in conversation: say despite or even though.
Practice quiz
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Frequently asked questions
What is the past tense of withstand?+
The Past Simple of withstand is withstood, like stand → stood (withstand = with + stand).
Is it withstand or resist?+
Withstand = to stay strong against a force from outside. Resist = to fight against something, or to say no to it. The house withstood the storm. I can't resist chocolate.
What does notwithstanding mean?+
Notwithstanding (formal) = despite. Notwithstanding the difficulties, the project was a success. It is a very formal, legal word.
What does withstand the test of time mean?+
Withstand the test of time = to stay good or popular for a long time. People use it for works of art and objects that last.
Why is it not withstanded?+
Withstand = with + stand. It follows the irregular verb stand: withstood.
Related pages: withstand 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/withstand/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 withstand are coming soon.