Mowed vs. Mown
The forms are not fully interchangeable: Cambridge gives “mowed” for the simple past and allows “mown” or “mowed” for the past participle. The grammatical slot therefore matters.
Use “mowed” for the simple past; for the past participle, both “mown” and “mowed” are documented.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| simple past of mow | mowed | Use “mowed.” |
| past participle after have/has/had | mown or mowed | Both participles are documented. |
| participial/adjectival description | mown or mowed | Choose a documented participial form that fits the sentence and house style. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Do you need the ordinary simple-past verb form?
If yes: Use “mowed.”
If no: For the past participle, both “mown” and “mowed” are documented.
Caveat: The choice is not a simple spelling preference: “mown” is participial in the cited paradigm, while “mowed” also serves as the simple past.
Examples
I mowed the lawn yesterday.
“Mowed” is the simple-past form.
The groundskeeper has mown the field.
“Mown” is a documented past participle after “has.”
The crew has mowed the verge already.
“Mowed” is also documented as a past participle.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “mowed” for the simple past; for the past participle, both “mown” and “mowed” are documented.
Fast Test
If there is no auxiliary and you need a simple past, choose “mowed.” After “has/have/had” or adjectivally, “mown” or “mowed” may be available.
Grammar Boundary
“Mown” is participial rather than the ordinary simple-past form in the cited paradigm, so “I mown the lawn yesterday” does not follow that pattern.
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.
- MOW — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence for mowed and mown/mowed participle forms