Past Tense of Deal
“Deal” follows the pattern deal → dealt → dealt. The same inflected form serves a finite simple-past clause and a past-participle construction; surrounding grammar identifies the role. The reviewed authorities record dealt for both past roles; do not invent a general “dealed” alternative without separate sense-specific authority.
The simple past and past participle of “deal” are both “dealt.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| completed action in simple past | dealt | Use “dealt.” |
| past participle after have/has/had | dealt | Use “dealt.” |
| present/base-form context | deal | Use “deal” when a past form is not required. |
Quick tests
Verb-form test
Do you need the simple past or past participle of “deal”?
If yes: Use “dealt.”
If no: Use “deal” or the appropriate present form when the sentence is not past.
Caveat: Both simple past and past participle are “dealt.” The reviewed authorities record dealt for both past roles; do not invent a general “dealed” alternative without separate sense-specific authority.
Examples
The dealer dealt five cards to each player.
“Dealt” is the simple past of “deal.”
We had dealt with the issue before the deadline.
“Dealt” is the past participle after “had.”
I deal with supplier questions every morning.
The present form is “deal.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “dealt” for both the simple past and the past participle.
Fast Test
If the sentence needs a past form or participle, choose “dealt”; use “deal” or the appropriate present form in present-time contexts.
Usage Boundary
Both simple past and past participle are “dealt.” The reviewed authorities record dealt for both past roles; do not invent a general “dealed” alternative without separate sense-specific authority.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- DEAL Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Merriam-Webster records dealt as the inflected past form of deal.
- DEAL | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge records dealt as both the past tense and past participle of deal.