Driven vs. Drove – How to Correctly Use Each Word
In the journey of learning English, we encounter words that may seem confusing, especially when they are different forms of the same verb.
Today, let’s explore “driven” and “drove.”
Both are forms of the verb “drive,” but they serve different purposes in a sentence. To use them correctly, understanding the terms past tense and past participle is essential.
Quick Summary
“Driven” and “drove” derive from the verb “drive.” “Drove” is the past tense form, used for actions that happened in the past. “Driven” is the past participle form, used with auxiliary verbs like “has,” “have,” or “had.”
Driven vs. Drove – Which is Correct?
Both “driven” and “drove” are correct but are used in different types of sentences. “Drove” is used in simple past tense sentences, whereas “driven” is used as a past participle with auxiliary verbs.
| Word | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Drove | Simple Past Tense | She drove to the supermarket. |
| Driven | Past Participle with “has,” “have,” “had” | He has driven across the country. |
How to Use Drove
“Drove” is the past tense of “drive.” It’s used to talk about an action that was completed in the past.
- Example: Yesterday, he drove his sister to school. This means that he completed the action of driving his sister to school in the past.
How to Use Driven
“Driven” is the past participle form of “drive.” It’s used with auxiliary verbs like “has,” “have,” or “had” to talk about actions that are connected to the present in some way.
- Example: She has driven for many miles without a break. This sentence indicates that she drove for many miles and is somehow linked to the present situation.
Practice Exercises
- They have _______ the car all the way from California to Washington.
- She _______ to the concert last night.
- The trucks have _______ thousands of miles to deliver the goods.
- He _______ his friends to the football game last weekend.
- They had _______ all night to reach the mountains by morning.
Answer Key:
- driven
- drove
- driven
- drove
- driven
Conclusion
In conclusion, “drove” and “driven” are different forms of the verb “drive,” each with their own specific use.
“Drove” is used for actions completed in the past, while “driven” is used with auxiliary verbs to indicate a connection with the present.
Regular practice and application will solidify the understanding and usage of “driven” and “drove.” Refer back to this guide anytime you need a refresher on how to correctly use “driven” and “drove.”