Past Tense of Overtake
“Overtake” is irregular: overtake → overtook → overtaken. Use “overtook” as the finite simple-past form and “overtaken” after auxiliaries such as have, has, or had, or in other participial constructions. Do not use “overtaken” as an unassisted simple-past form.
The simple past of “overtake” is “overtook.” Its past participle is “overtaken.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| completed action in simple past | overtook | Use “overtook.” |
| past participle after have/has/had | overtaken | Use “overtaken.” |
| present/base-form context | overtake | Use “overtake” when a past form is not required. |
Quick tests
Verb-form test
Does the sentence require the simple past rather than a past participle of “overtake”?
If yes: Use “overtook.”
If no: If the construction requires a past participle, use “overtaken”; otherwise keep the appropriate present form.
Caveat: The simple past is “overtook”; the past participle is “overtaken.” Do not use “overtaken” as an unassisted simple-past form.
Examples
The cyclist overtook the leader on the final hill.
“Overtook” is the simple past.
Our online sales have overtaken store sales.
“Overtaken” is the past participle after “have.”
Faster trains sometimes overtake local services.
The present form remains “overtake.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “overtook” for simple past and “overtaken” for the past participle.
Fast Test
If there is no perfect/passive auxiliary and the clause is simple past, choose “overtook”; if grammar requires a past participle, choose “overtaken.”
Usage Boundary
The simple past is “overtook”; the past participle is “overtaken.” Do not use “overtaken” as an unassisted simple-past form.
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.
- OVERTAKE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Merriam-Webster records overtook as the simple past and overtaken as the past participle of overtake.
- OVERTAKE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge records overtook as the past tense and overtaken as the past participle of overtake.