English UsageComparison guide
Beat vs. Beaten
“Beat” and “beaten” are different forms of the irregular verb “beat.” “Beat” is the simple past, while “beaten” is the past participle used in perfect constructions.
Use “beat” for the simple past and “beaten” as the past participle, especially after have/has/had.
Key details
Confusion Familyirregular verb forms
Rule Familyverb forms
Termsbeat, beaten
Verb Formsbeat, beat, beaten
Choose the right form
| Sentence need | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| simple past | beat | The sentence uses beat as the simple-past form of “beat.” |
| past participle after have/has/had | beaten | The sentence uses beaten after an auxiliary. |
Further guidance
Core difference
“Beat” is the simple-past form of “beat”; “beaten” is the past participle used with auxiliaries such as have, has, or had.
Fast Test
If have, has, or had directly governs the form of “beat,” choose “beaten.” For a standalone finite past-tense verb, choose “beat.”
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.
- beat verb — Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Oxford University Press · Direct dictionary evidence for beat / beat / beaten verb forms