What’s the Past Tense of Tear? Is it Tore, Teared or Torn?

English verbs often surprise learners because their past forms don’t always follow predictable patterns. One such verb is tear. If you’ve ever asked yourself, What’s the past tense of tear? Is it tore, teared, or torn? you’re not alone. Many speakers stumble over this question. This guide clears the confusion with detailed explanations, real-life examples, and usage scenarios so you never second-guess yourself again.

Tear Meaning: Two Common Senses

Before diving into verb forms, let’s clarify what tear means because the meaning affects the form you use.

• Tear (to rip): To pull something apart or damage it by force.
  Example: “Please don’t tear the page.”
• Tear (a drop from the eye): A small drop of liquid that comes when you cry.
  Example: “A single tear rolled down her cheek.”

The confusion usually happens with the ripping sense. The crying sense uses teared up in informal speech but never as a regular past tense for “rip.”

Tear Verb Conjugation Chart

Tense	Example
Base form	tear – I don’t want to tear the paper.
Simple past	tore – He tore his jeans yesterday.
Past participle	torn – The jeans have been torn.
Present participle	tearing – She is tearing the envelope.

Tear is an irregular verb, which means its past forms don’t follow the simple “-ed” rule.

Is It Tore, Teared, or Torn?

Here’s the golden rule:

• Tore = simple past tense of tear
• Torn = past participle (used in perfect tenses or passive voice)
• Teared = only used in emotional contexts (teared up), not for ripping

Let’s break this down with practical usage and examples.

When to Use Tore (Simple Past Tense)

Use tore when the action happened in the past and is complete.

✅ Example Sentences

• “I accidentally tore my assignment.”
• “He tore the letter into pieces.”
• “The kids tore the wrapping paper eagerly.”

✅ Email Scenario

Subject: Accidentally Tore the Document

Hi Oliver,

I’m writing to let you know that I accidentally tore the document while filing it. I’ve made a photocopy, so everything is still intact. Let me know if you’d like me to send the duplicate.

Best regards,
Emma Carter

When to Use Torn (Past Participle)

The word torn appears in perfect tenses or passive voice.

✅ Example Sentences

• “I have torn my jeans many times.”
• “The flag was torn by the strong winds.”
• “He had torn the page before submitting the book.”

✅ Professional Email Scenario

Subject: Torn Packaging Report

Dear Mr. Patel,

During inspection, we noticed that the outer layer of the packaging was torn. Although the product inside is safe, please advise if you’d like a replacement.

Regards,
Megan Shaw

Does Teared Ever Work?

Yes, but only in emotional contexts, and even then, most people say teared up, not just teared.

✅ Example Sentences

• “She teared up when she heard the good news.”
• “I almost teared up at the movie ending.”

✅ Text Message Example

“OMG, I totally teared up during the speech. It was so touching!”

Important: Never use teared to mean “ripped.” I teared my shirt ❌ is incorrect. Use I tore my shirt ✅ instead.

Difference Between Tore and Torn

• Tore = action done in the past → I tore the paper yesterday.
• Torn = result or state, often with have/has/had → The paper has been torn.

✅ Quick Memory Trick

Think: I tore it, now it’s torn.

Examples of Tear in Different Tenses

Simple Past

“I tore the envelope and found the letter.”

Past Perfect

“She had torn the pages before giving it back.”

Future Perfect

“By tomorrow, I will have torn down all the posters.”

Past Continuous

“They were tearing the old wallpaper when I arrived.”

Idioms with Tear

English loves idioms, and tear appears in quite a few:

• On a tear – He’s been on a tear at work lately (meaning very active or successful).
• Tear one’s hair out – I was tearing my hair out trying to meet the deadline.
• Burst into tears – She burst into tears after hearing the news.

Synonyms for Tear (Rip Meaning)

• Rip
• Split
• Lacerate
• Shred
• Rend

Example: “He ripped the paper” can replace “He tore the paper.”

Pronunciation of Tear, Tore, Torn, Teared

• Tear (rip): /ter/
• Tear (cry): /tir/
• Tore: /tɔːr/
• Torn: /tɔːrn/
• Teared: /tɪrd/

This difference explains why native speakers rarely confuse the two meanings in speech.

Etymology of Tear

The word comes from Old English “teran” (to rip) and tearu (a tear from the eye), both rooted in Proto-Germanic origins. Over centuries, the meanings stayed similar, but conjugation changed to the irregular form we use today.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• ❌ I teared the paper.
• ✅ I tore the paper.
• ❌ He has tore the envelope.
• ✅ He has torn the envelope.
• ❌ The letter was tore by accident.
• ✅ The letter was torn by accident.

FAQ: What People Also Ask

1. What is the past tense of tear?

The correct past tense is tore, not teared.

2. Is torn the past tense of tear?

No, torn is the past participle, not the simple past.

3. Can I say teared?

Only in the sense of crying, as in teared up.

4. How do you use tear in perfect tenses?

I have torn, I had torn, It has been torn.

5. What is the difference between tear and rip?

They’re similar, but tear often means an irregular break, while rip can suggest force or neatness.

Key Takeaways

• Tore = simple past of tear (ripped something).
• Torn = past participle (used in perfect tenses and passive voice).
• Teared = only in emotional contexts (teared up), never for ripping.
• Pronunciation matters: /ter/ vs /tir/.
• Remember: I tore it, now it’s torn.

Mastering these forms will make your English sound natural and polished, whether you’re writing an email, a story, or just texting a friend.