English UsageComparison guide
Burned vs. Burnt
Both “burned” and “burnt” are established forms connected with “burn.” Cambridge records “burnt” as a past form and adjective and notes “burned” as a US alternative in the verb paradigm.
Both forms are standard in documented contexts; “burnt” is especially common in British usage and as an adjective, while “burned” is common in US usage.
Key details
Confusion Familyverb-form-and-register
Rule Familyinflectional-variant
Termsburned, burnt
Variant ScopeCambridge records burnt as a past form/adjective and notes US also burned for the verb form.
Further guidance
Adjective Boundary
“Burnt” is also directly documented as an adjective, so fixed adjective uses should not be mechanically rewritten.
Verb Boundary
Choose the past form according to regional or house-style preference rather than treating one as universally wrong.
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.
- Burnt — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Past-form and adjective evidence for burnt/burned