English UsageComparison guide
Blew vs. Blown
“Blew” and “blown” are different forms of the irregular verb “blow.” “Blew” is the simple past, while “blown” is the past participle used in perfect constructions.
Use “blew” for the simple past and “blown” as the past participle, especially after have/has/had.
Key details
Confusion Familyirregular verb forms
Rule Familyverb forms
Termsblew, blown
Verb Formsblow, blew, blown
Choose the right form
| Sentence need | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| simple past | blew | The wind blew hard last night. |
| past participle after have/has/had | blown | The wind has blown all morning. |
Further guidance
Core difference
“Blew” is the simple-past form of “blow”; “blown” 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 “blow,” choose “blown.” For a standalone finite past-tense verb, choose “blew.”
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.
- Blow — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Dictionary evidence for the irregular forms blow, blew, blown and their simple-past/past-participle roles.