Threw vs. Thrown
“Threw” and “thrown” are different forms of the irregular verb “throw.” “Threw” is the simple past, while “thrown” is the past participle used in perfect constructions.
Use “threw” for the simple past and “thrown” as the past participle, especially after have/has/had.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Grammar | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| simple past | threw | Use the finite past-tense form. |
| past participle after have/has/had | thrown | Use the participle. |
| past participle in passive or other auxiliary construction | thrown | Use the participial form where grammar requires it. |
Quick tests
Auxiliary test
Does have, has, or had govern the form of “throw”?
If yes: Use “thrown.”
If no: For a standalone simple-past verb, use “threw.”
Caveat: Other auxiliary/passive constructions can also require the participle “thrown”; the core distinction is simple past versus past participle.
Examples
She threw the keys onto the table.
“Threw” is the simple past.
He has thrown away the old receipt.
“Has” requires the past participle “thrown.”
The ball was thrown from the far side of the field.
The passive construction uses the past participle.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Threw” is the simple-past form of “throw”; “thrown” 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 “throw,” choose “thrown.” For a standalone finite past-tense verb, choose “threw.”
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.
- throw — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Cambridge lists threw as the past tense and thrown as the past participle of throw.