Withdrew vs. Withdrawn
Use “withdrew” for the simple past of “withdraw” and “withdrawn” as the past participle, especially after have/has/had. The guide distinguishes the finite past form from the participle in standard verb constructions.
Use “withdrew” for the simple past of “withdraw” and “withdrawn” as the past participle, especially after have/has/had.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| simple past with no auxiliary | withdrew | Use “withdrew” for the simple past. |
| past participle after have/has/had | withdrawn | Use “withdrawn” in perfect constructions. |
| past participle in passive or other participial construction | withdrawn | Use the participle where grammar requires it. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Is the form following have/has/had or functioning as a past participle?
If yes: Use “withdrawn.”
If no: Use “withdrew” for the simple past.
Caveat: These are different inflected forms of the same irregular verb, not style variants.
Examples
She withdrew the application yesterday.
“Withdrew” is the simple past.
She has withdrawn the application.
“Withdrawn” is the past participle after “has.”
The offer was withdrawn before noon.
The passive construction requires the past participle.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Withdrew” is the simple-past form of “withdraw”; “withdrawn” is the past participle used in perfect constructions and other participial uses.
Fast Test
For a standalone finite past-tense verb, use “withdrew.” After have/has/had, use “withdrawn.”
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.
- Withdraw — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct verb-form evidence for withdraw, withdrew, withdrawn.