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
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