Burst vs. Bursted – Which is Correct?
The correct past tense and past participle of the verb “to burst” is burst. The form “bursted” is incorrect and considered a common grammatical error. As an irregular verb, “burst” does not add “-ed” to form its past tense or past participle, remaining unchanged across all simple tenses.
Burst or Bursted – Which is Correct?
The confusion between “burst” and “bursted” arises because most English verbs form their past tense and past participle by adding “-ed” (e.g., “walk” becomes “walked”). However, “burst” is an irregular verb, meaning it does not follow this standard pattern. Its past tense and past participle forms are identical to its base form: “burst.” Therefore, “bursted” is always incorrect.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| burst | Verb (present, past, past participle) | To break open or apart suddenly and violently, especially from internal pressure; to emerge suddenly. | The balloon burst with a loud pop. (past tense) |
| bursted | Incorrect | Grammatically incorrect form of “burst.” | Incorrect: The tire bursted on the highway. |
How to Use Burst
“Burst” is an irregular verb that means to break open or apart suddenly and violently, often due to internal pressure, or to emerge suddenly. It can also refer to a sudden outpouring or an intense, brief period of activity. The key point for its usage across tenses is that its form does not change. Whether you are talking about the present, simple past, or past participle (used with auxiliary verbs like “have” or “had”), the word remains “burst.” Using “burst” correctly demonstrates a strong grasp of irregular verb forms in English.
Example 1 (Present Tense): The pipe bursts every winter when the water freezes.
Example 2 (Simple Past Tense): The dam burst after days of heavy rain, flooding the valley.
Example 3 (Past Participle): He had never seen a bubble that large before it burst.
What are the different forms of Burst?
The verb “burst” is one of the irregular verbs in English that retains the same form for its base, simple past, and past participle. This makes it simpler in one sense, but also a common source of error for those expecting a regular “-ed” ending.
- Base Form (Infinitive): to burst
- Present Tense (Singular): bursts (e.g., “it bursts”)
- Present Tense (Plural): burst (e.g., “they burst”)
- Simple Past Tense: burst (e.g., “it burst”)
- Past Participle: burst (e.g., “it has burst”)
- Present Participle (Gerund): bursting (e.g., “it is bursting”)
Etymology of the word Burst
The word “burst” has a long history, tracing its roots back to Old English. It comes from the Old English word berstan, meaning “to break suddenly,” “to fly apart,” or “to explode.” This word itself has Germanic origins, related to similar words in Old High German (brestan) and Old Norse (bresta). Throughout its evolution, the core meaning of sudden, forceful breaking or emergence has remained consistent, as has its irregular verb conjugation.
Related Concepts
The confusion surrounding “burst” and “bursted” highlights a common challenge in English grammar: irregular verbs. Unlike regular verbs that form their past tense and past participle by adding “-ed” or “-d” (e.g., “walk” -> “walked,” “love” -> “loved”), irregular verbs follow unique patterns, or sometimes no pattern at all. “Burst” belongs to a group of irregular verbs where the base form, simple past, and past participle are all identical (e.g., “cut,” “hit,” “put,” “read,” “set,” “spread,” “shut”). Understanding these irregular patterns is crucial for correct usage, as they often don’t adhere to predictable rules.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “Then the sun burst through the clouds, illuminating the entire landscape.” – From a nature documentary script.
- “A sudden fit of laughter burst from the audience, echoing through the theater.” – From a novel.
- “The news agency reported that the housing bubble had finally burst, leading to a market downturn.” – From a financial news article.
- “He had often felt like he would burst with anticipation before opening his exam results.” – From a personal essay.
- “The dam had burst its banks, sending a torrent of water downstream.” – From an environmental report.
Burst Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Explode | To undergo a rapid, often violent, expansion or breaking apart, typically from internal pressure. |
| Rupture | To break or burst suddenly, especially from internal pressure, or to cause to break. |
| Shatter | To break into many pieces suddenly and violently. |
| Erupt | (Of a volcano, geyser, etc.) To become active and eject lava, ash, water, or steam. More generally, to break out or manifest suddenly and dramatically. |
| Break | To separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “burst” always the correct past tense?
Yes, “burst” is always the correct form for both the simple past tense and the past participle of the verb “to burst.” It is an irregular verb that does not change its form in these tenses.
Question 2: Why do people say “bursted” if it’s incorrect?
The use of “bursted” is a common error due to the widespread pattern of forming past tenses by adding “-ed” to regular verbs. Speakers mistakenly apply this rule to “burst,” which is an irregular verb.
Question 3: Are there other verbs like “burst” that don’t change form?
Yes, there are several irregular verbs that have the same form for their base, simple past, and past participle. Examples include “cut,” “hit,” “put,” “set,” “spread,” and “shut.”
Conclusion
In the debate between “burst” and “bursted,” the answer is clear: burst is the only grammatically correct form for both the simple past tense and past participle of the verb “to burst.” “Bursted” is a non-standard and incorrect usage, stemming from an over-application of regular verb conjugation rules to an irregular verb. Mastering such irregular verbs is a hallmark of precise and professional English communication.
Pro Tip: When in doubt about an irregular verb, remember that many common ones, like “burst,” “cut,” and “put,” remain unchanged across their past tense and past participle forms. Using the correct form enhances your credibility and ensures your message is understood precisely.
