Overcome past tense: overcame, overcome
defeat, surmount
Overcome is an irregular English verb: the past simple of overcome is overcame and the past participle is overcome. Learn the three forms together — overcome – overcame – overcome.
Verb forms
Base form
/ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/
Past Simple
/ˌəʊvəˈkeɪm/
Past Participle
/ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/
Press the speaker button to hear each form. The transcription under each word shows the British pronunciation (IPA).
Example sentences
Base form · overcome
Athletes overcome pain and fatigue to win.
Past Simple · overcame
He overcame his fear of public speaking.
Past Participle · overcome
Every obstacle has been overcome so far.
Key tenses
| Present Simple | Past Simple | Present Perfect |
|---|---|---|
I overcome he / she / it overcomes | I overcame | I have overcome |
| Present Continuous:I am overcoming · he / she / it is overcoming | ||
Grammar guide
Overcome belongs to the small ABA group: the past participle is the same as the base form (overcome), and only the past simple (overcame) is different.
- Past simple – overcame: a finished action at a definite time in the past. It is used on its own, without an auxiliary.
- Past participle – overcome: after have, has or had (present perfect, past perfect) and after be in the passive voice.
- Questions and negatives in the past simple use did + the base form: Did you overcome…? I didn’t overcome.
Verbs with the same pattern
Quick quiz
Which sentence is correct?
Questions about overcome
- What is the past simple of overcome?
- The past simple of overcome is overcame.
- What is the past participle of overcome?
- The past participle of overcome is overcome.
- What are the three forms of overcome?
- The three forms are overcome – overcame – overcome: base form, past simple and past participle.
- Is overcome a regular or an irregular verb?
- Overcome is irregular: its past simple is overcame, not overcomed.