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
| Context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| simple past | woke | Use the common simple-past form. |
| past participle after have/has/had | woken | Use the common past participle. |
| using the regular alternative | waked | “Waked” is also accepted for either past form. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Is the form following have/has/had or otherwise functioning as a past participle?
If yes: Use “woken” as the common participle.
If no: Use “woke” as the common simple past.
Caveat: “Waked” is also documented; this page distinguishes the common “woke/woken” pattern rather than declaring “waked” wrong.
Examples
I woke before the alarm.
“Woke” is the common simple past.
I had woken before the alarm rang.
“Woken” is the common past participle.
The noise waked the baby.
“Waked” is also an accepted past form.
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.