Hid vs. Hidden
“Hid” and “hidden” are different forms of the irregular verb “hide.” “Hid” is the simple past, while “hidden” is the past participle used in perfect constructions.
Use “hid” for the simple past and “hidden” as the past participle, especially after have/has/had.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| simple past of “hide” | hid | Use “hid” for a completed past event without a perfect auxiliary. |
| past participle of “hide” | hidden | Use “hidden” after have/has/had and in participial/passive uses. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Is the verb following have/has/had or functioning as a participle?
If yes: Use “hidden.”
If no: Use “hid” for the simple past.
Caveat: Other participial uses of “hidden” can behave adjectivally; the core form distinction remains simple past “hid” versus past participle “hidden.”
Examples
She hid the key yesterday.
“Hid” is the simple past.
She has hidden the key.
“Hidden” is the past participle after “has.”
The documents were hidden behind the panel.
“Hidden” functions as a participle in the passive construction.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Hid” is the simple-past form of “hide”; “hidden” 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 “hide,” choose “hidden.” For a standalone finite past-tense verb, choose “hid.”
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.
- Hide — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Dictionary evidence for the irregular forms hide, hid, hidden and their simple-past/past-participle roles.