Woke vs. Woken
“Woke” and “woken” are common forms of the irregular verb “wake”: “woke” is simple past and “woken” is a past participle. Cambridge also records “waked” as an accepted alternative in both roles.
Use “woke” as the common simple past and “woken” as the common past participle; “waked” is also accepted for either past form.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Sentence need | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| simple past | woke (also waked) | They woke early. |
| past participle after have/has/had | woken (also waked) | They have woken early before. |
Further guidance
Core difference
“Woke” is a common simple-past form of “wake,” while “woken” is a common past participle. Cambridge also records “waked” as an accepted past-tense and past-participle form.
Fast Test
In the common woke/woken contrast, use “woke” for simple past and “woken” after have, has, or had; “waked” is also an accepted alternative in both past forms.
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.
- Wake — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Cambridge lists both woke and waked as past-tense forms, with woken or waked as participles.