“Hid” or “Hidden”: Mastering the Past Tense of “Hide”
Understanding the correct past tense forms of irregular verbs like “hide” is crucial for clear and accurate communication in English. Choosing between “hid” and “hidden” can be confusing, but mastering this distinction will significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the past tense of “hide,” explaining its different forms, usage rules, and common mistakes. This guide is perfect for English language learners, students, and anyone looking to refine their grammar skills.
This article will help you understand the correct usage of “hid” and “hidden”, and avoid common grammatical errors. With clear explanations, examples, and practice exercises, you’ll gain the confidence to use these verb forms accurately in any context.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Hide”
- Structural Breakdown of “Hide”
- Forms of “Hide”
- Examples of “Hide” in Sentences
- Usage Rules for “Hid” and “Hidden”
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of “Hide”
The verb “hide” means to conceal something from sight or to keep something secret. It is an irregular verb, which means its past tense and past participle forms do not follow the standard “-ed” ending rule of regular verbs. Understanding the different forms of “hide” is essential for using it correctly in various tenses and grammatical structures.
The verb “hide” can be used in both transitive and intransitive ways. When used transitively, it takes a direct object (e.g., “She hid the keys”). When used intransitively, it does not take a direct object (e.g., “He hid behind the tree”).
Classification: Irregular verb
Function: To conceal, to keep secret, to take cover
Contexts: Everyday conversation, formal writing, literature, news reports
Structural Breakdown of “Hide”
The verb “hide” has three main forms: the base form, the past simple, and the past participle. It’s crucial to differentiate between these forms to use them correctly in different tenses. Let’s break down the structure of “hide”:
- Base Form: hide
- Simple Past: hid
- Past Participle: hidden
The simple past form, “hid,” is used to describe actions that were completed in the past. The past participle form, “hidden,” is used with auxiliary verbs like “have,” “has,” or “had” to form perfect tenses, and it is also used in passive voice constructions.
Here’s a table summarizing the basic forms of the verb “hide”:
| Form | Example | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Base Form | I like to hide. | Infinitive, present simple (except 3rd person singular) |
| Simple Past | She hid the present. | Simple past tense |
| Past Participle | The treasure has been hidden. | Perfect tenses, passive voice |
Forms of “Hide”
Understanding the forms of “hide” is essential for using it correctly. Here’s a detailed explanation of each form:
- Base Form (Hide): This is the infinitive form of the verb. It is used in the present tense (except for the third-person singular) and with modal verbs.
- Simple Past (Hid): This form is used to describe completed actions in the past. There is no auxiliary verb required.
- Past Participle (Hidden): This form is used with auxiliary verbs (have, has, had, is, are, was, were, been) to form perfect tenses (present perfect, past perfect, future perfect) and passive voice constructions.
- Present Participle (Hiding): This form is used to show an action in progress.
Examples of “Hide” in Sentences
To fully understand how to use “hid” and “hidden,” let’s look at various examples in different tenses and contexts. These examples will help clarify the correct usage and avoid common errors.
Simple Past (“Hid”) Examples
The simple past tense uses “hid” to describe completed actions in the past. Here are some examples:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The dog hid the bone in the backyard. | Describes a past action of the dog concealing the bone. |
| She hid her diary under the mattress. | Indicates she concealed her diary in the past. |
| He hid from his friends during the game of hide-and-seek. | Describes his action of concealing himself during the game. |
| They hid the evidence before the police arrived. | Indicates they concealed evidence before a specific event. |
| I hid the surprise gift in the closet. | The speaker concealed the gift in the past. |
| The cat hid under the bed when the guests arrived. | The cat took cover when the guests arrived. |
| He hid his disappointment with a smile. | He concealed his true feelings. |
| She hid the truth from her parents. | She kept the truth a secret. |
| The thief hid the stolen goods in an abandoned warehouse. | The thief concealed the stolen items. |
| We hid from the rain under a large umbrella. | We took cover from the rain. |
| The children hid behind the curtains. | The children concealed themselves. |
| He hid his face in shame. | He covered his face because he was ashamed. |
| She hid her excitement about the job offer. | She didn’t show how excited she was. |
| The squirrel hid the nuts for the winter. | The squirrel stored the nuts away. |
| I hid my car keys so my brother couldn’t borrow my car. | I concealed my keys to prevent my brother from using my car. |
| The sun hid behind the clouds. | The sun was obscured by the clouds. |
| She hid her worry from her children. | She didn’t let her children see that she was worried. |
| He hid the map so no one else could find the treasure. | He concealed the map to keep the treasure a secret. |
| They hid their feelings for each other for years. | They kept their feelings secret. |
| I hid my phone because I didn’t want to be distracted. | I concealed my phone to avoid distractions. |
| The spy hid the microchip in his shoe. | The spy concealed the microchip. |
| She hid the letter in a drawer. | She concealed the letter. |
| The little boy hid his face in his mother’s skirt. | The boy took cover by his mother. |
| He hid his true intentions from everyone. | He kept his true intentions a secret. |
| We hid our laughter so as not to offend anyone. | We concealed our laughter to avoid causing offense. |
Past Participle (“Hidden”) Examples
The past participle “hidden” is used with auxiliary verbs to form perfect tenses and in passive voice constructions. Let’s explore some examples:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The treasure has been hidden for centuries. | Uses the present perfect passive to indicate the treasure was hidden long ago and remains so. |
| The keys had been hidden before I arrived. | Uses the past perfect passive to show the keys were hidden before a specific time in the past. |
| The evidence was hidden by the suspect. | Uses the simple past passive to indicate someone concealed the evidence. |
| My feelings have always been hidden. | Uses the present perfect passive to describe a state of concealed feelings. |
| The truth remained hidden for many years. | Indicates that the truth was not revealed for a long time. |
| The secret was hidden deep within her heart. | Indicates that the secret was well-concealed. |
| The child had hidden behind the sofa. | Uses the past perfect tense to describe an action completed before another point in the past. |
| The money has been hidden in a safe place. | Uses the present perfect passive to describe a current state resulting from a past action. |
| Her talent was hidden from the world for too long. | Uses the past passive to indicate that her talent was not recognized. |
| The password has been hidden in the code. | Uses the present perfect passive to show the password is concealed. |
| The solution was hidden in plain sight. | The solution was available but not easily noticed. |
| The letter had been hidden under the floorboards. | The letter was concealed before a specific time. |
| His identity has been hidden for years. | His identity has remained a secret. |
| The mistake was hidden in the data. | The mistake was concealed within the data. |
| The message was hidden within the painting. | The message was concealed within the artwork. |
| The documents have been hidden in a secure location. | The documents are currently concealed. |
| The book had been hidden from the children. | The book was concealed before a specific time. |
| The trail was hidden by the snow. | The snow concealed the trail. |
| The evidence has been hidden very carefully. | The evidence is currently concealed. |
| The meaning was hidden in the symbolism. | The meaning was concealed in the symbolism. |
| The key was hidden under a rock. | The key was concealed under a rock. |
| The truth has been hidden from the public. | The truth is currently concealed. |
| The answer was hidden in the question. | The answer was concealed in the question. |
| The error had been hidden for months. | The error was concealed before a specific time. |
| The map was hidden inside the book. | The map was concealed inside the book. |
Present Perfect Examples
Here are some examples of the present perfect tense using “hidden”:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| She has hidden the cookies from the children. | Indicates that she hid the cookies at some point in the past, and they are still hidden. |
| They have hidden their feelings for each other for a long time. | Shows that they have kept their feelings secret up to the present. |
| I have hidden the money in a safe place. | Indicates that the money is currently hidden. |
| He has hidden the truth from his family. | Shows that he has kept the truth a secret until now. |
| The cat has hidden under the bed all day. | Indicates that the cat is currently hiding. |
| We have hidden the presents for the surprise party. | Indicates that the presents are currently hidden. |
| You have hidden the remote again! | Shows that the remote is currently hidden. |
| The evidence has been hidden very carefully. | Indicates that the evidence is currently concealed. |
| She has hidden her diary where no one will find it. | Shows that the diary is currently hidden. |
| He has hidden his disappointment well. | Indicates that he has successfully concealed his disappointment. |
| They have hidden their intentions from us. | Shows that their intentions are currently secret. |
| I have hidden the extra key in the garden. | Indicates that the key is currently hidden. |
| She has hidden her talent for years. | Indicates that she has concealed her talent up to the present. |
| He has hidden his past from everyone. | Shows that his past is currently a secret. |
| They have hidden their fears from each other. | Indicates that their fears are currently concealed. |
| I have hidden the surprise so it won’t be ruined. | Shows that the surprise is currently hidden. |
| She has hidden her true feelings from him. | Indicates that her true feelings are currently concealed. |
| He has hidden his identity for a good reason. | Shows that his identity is currently secret. |
| They have hidden their love for each other. | Indicates that their love is currently concealed. |
| I have hidden the truth to protect you. | Shows that the truth is currently hidden. |
| She has hidden her pain from the world. | Indicates that her pain is currently concealed. |
| He has hidden his anger for too long. | Shows that his anger is currently hidden. |
| They have hidden their secrets from each other. | Indicates that their secrets are currently concealed. |
| I have hidden the evidence in a safe place. | Shows that the evidence is currently hidden. |
Past Perfect Examples
Here are some examples of sentences using the past perfect tense with “hidden”:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| By the time the police arrived, the thief had hidden the jewels. | The act of hiding the jewels was completed before the police arrived. |
| She had hidden her diary before her brother read it. | Her diary was hidden before her brother read it. |
| He had hidden the money before the robbers broke in. | The money was hidden before the robbers broke in. |
| They had hidden the evidence before the investigation began. | The evidence was hidden before the investigation started. |
| I had hidden the gift before she found it. | The gift was hidden before she discovered it. |
| The cat had hidden under the bed before the storm started. | The cat was under the bed before the storm started. |
| She had hidden her tears from everyone. | She kept her tears a secret before a certain time. |
| He had hidden his true feelings for years. | He kept his true feelings a secret for years before a certain time. |
| They had hidden their intentions until it was too late. | They kept their intentions a secret until a certain time. |
| I had hidden the truth to protect them. | I kept the truth a secret before a certain time. |
| She had hidden her fears from her family. | She kept her fears a secret from her family before a certain time. |
| He had hidden his disappointment with a smile. | He concealed his disappointment before a certain time. |
| They had hidden their love for each other for years. | They kept their love a secret for years before a certain time. |
| I had hidden my car keys so he couldn’t borrow my car. | I concealed my car keys before he had the chance to borrow it. |
| She had hidden her anger for a long time. | She kept her anger a secret for a long time before a certain time. |
| He had hidden his identity to avoid being recognized. | He concealed his identity before a certain time. |
| They had hidden their secrets from the world. | They kept their secrets from the world before a certain time. |
| I had hidden the map so no one would find the treasure. | I concealed the map before a certain time. |
| She had hidden her talent from the public. | She kept her talent a secret from the public before a certain time. |
| He had hidden his past to start a new life. | He concealed his past before a certain time. |
| They had hidden their worries from their children. | They kept their worries a secret from their children before a certain time. |
| I had hidden the extra key in case of an emergency. | I concealed the extra key before a certain time. |
| She had hidden her true feelings for him. | She kept her true feelings a secret before a certain time. |
| He had hidden his intentions until the last moment. | He kept his intentions a secret until the last moment. |
Passive Voice Examples
Here are some examples of “hidden” used in the passive voice:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The money was hidden in the backyard. | The subject (money) is acted upon. |
| The evidence has been hidden by the suspect. | The subject (evidence) is acted upon, and the agent (suspect) is mentioned. |
| The truth is often hidden from the public. | The subject (truth) is acted upon. |
| The treasure had been hidden for centuries. | The subject (treasure) is acted upon. |
| The message was hidden inside the book. | The subject (message) is acted upon. |
| The key was hidden under the doormat. | The subject (key) is acted upon. |
| The stolen goods were hidden in an abandoned warehouse. | The subject (stolen goods) is acted upon. |
| The secret was hidden deep within her heart. | The subject (secret) is acted upon. |
| The documents have been hidden in a secure location. | The subject (documents) is acted upon. |
| The mistake was hidden in the data. | The subject (mistake) is acted upon. |
| The password was hidden in the code. | The subject (password) is acted upon. |
| The trail was hidden by the snow. | The subject (trail) is acted upon. |
| The error had been hidden for months. | The subject (error) is acted upon. |
| The talent was hidden from the world for too long. | The subject (talent) is acted upon. |
| The solution was hidden in plain sight. | The subject (solution) is acted upon. |
| The letter had been hidden under the floorboards. | The subject (letter) is acted upon. |
| His identity has been hidden for years. | The subject (identity) is acted upon. |
| The meaning was hidden in the symbolism. | The subject (meaning) is acted upon. |
| The book had been hidden from the children. | The subject (book) is acted upon. |
| The evidence has been hidden very carefully. | The subject (evidence) is acted upon. |
Usage Rules for “Hid” and “Hidden”
Using “hid” and “hidden” correctly involves understanding their roles in different tenses and sentence structures. Here’s a breakdown of the usage rules:
- Use “hid” for the simple past tense. This form describes a completed action in the past without the help of auxiliary verbs.
- Use “hidden” for perfect tenses (present perfect, past perfect, future perfect). These tenses require auxiliary verbs such as “have,” “has,” or “had.”
- Use “hidden” in passive voice constructions. Passive voice uses forms of the verb “to be” (is, are, was, were, been) followed by the past participle.
- Be mindful of context. Consider whether the action is completed (simple past) or whether it has relevance to the present (perfect tenses).
Here are some additional rules to consider:
- When using the present perfect tense, remember to use “has” for singular subjects and “have” for plural subjects.
- In passive voice constructions, the agent performing the action can be included using “by,” but it is often omitted if it is unknown or unimportant.
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is using “hidden” instead of “hid” in the simple past tense. Another frequent error is using “hid” with auxiliary verbs when the past participle “hidden” is required. Let’s look at some examples of these mistakes and how to correct them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She had hid the letter. | She had hidden the letter. | “Hidden” is needed with the auxiliary verb “had” for the past perfect tense. |
| He hidden behind the tree. | He hid behind the tree. | “Hid” is the correct form for the simple past tense. |
| They have hid the evidence. | They have hidden the evidence. | “Hidden” is needed with the auxiliary verb “have” for the present perfect tense. |
| I hid have the key. | I have hidden the key. | The auxiliary verb “have” requires the past participle “hidden”. |
| She was hid the truth. | She was hidden the truth from. | The passive voice construction requires “hidden” after “was”. (Also, you need the preposition “from”.) |
| He hid the money has. | He has hidden the money. | The auxiliary verb “has” must precede “hidden” in the present perfect tense. |
| The letter was hid. | The letter was hidden. | Passive voice requires the past participle “hidden”. |
| We hid saw the treasure. | We had hidden the treasure. | The past perfect tense requires “had hidden”. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “hid” and “hidden” with the following exercises. These exercises will help you solidify your knowledge and improve your accuracy.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “hide” (hid or hidden).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She ________ the keys under the flowerpot. | hid |
| 2. The treasure has been ________ for centuries. | hidden |
| 3. He ________ behind the curtain to surprise her. | hid |
| 4. The evidence was ________ in the basement. | hidden |
| 5. They have ________ their feelings for each other. | hidden |
| 6. I ________ the gift so the kids wouldn’t find it. | hid |
| 7. The cat had ________ under the bed. | hidden |
| 8. The secret remained ________ for years. | hidden |
| 9. She ________ her tears so no one would see her cry. | hid |
| 10. The truth has been ________ from the public. | hidden |
Exercise 2: Correct the Errors
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Question | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. He had hid the money before the robbers came. | He had hidden the money before the robbers came. |
| 2. She hidden the letter in her drawer. | She hid the letter in her drawer. |
| 3. The treasure was hid on the island. | The treasure was hidden on the island. |
| 4. They have hid their true intentions. | They have hidden their true intentions. |
| 5. I hid have the book in my bag. | I have hidden the book in my bag. |
| 6. She was hid her face in shame. | She hid her face in shame. |
| 7. He hid been hiding for hours. | He had been hiding for hours. |
| 8. The answer was hid in plain sight. | The answer was hidden in plain sight. |
| 9. They hid the truth has. | They have hidden the truth. |
| 10. I was hid the present. | I hid the present. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Construction
Create sentences using the given prompts and the correct form of “hide.”
| Prompt | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. She / simple past / her diary | She hid her diary under the bed. |
| 2. They / present perfect / the evidence | They have hidden the evidence. |
| 3. He / past perfect / his disappointment | He had hidden his disappointment well. |
| 4. The money / passive voice / in the garden | The money was hidden in the garden. |
| 5. I / simple past / from the rain | I hid from the rain under a tree. |
| 6. She / present perfect / her true feelings | She has hidden her true feelings from him. |
| 7. They / past perfect / their secrets | They had hidden their secrets from each other. |
| 8. The map / passive voice / inside the book | The map was hidden inside the book. |
| 9. He / simple past / his face | He hid his face in his hands. |
| 10. We / present perfect / the presents | We have hidden the presents for the party. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of “hide” in more complex grammatical structures can further enhance their proficiency.
Subjunctive Mood
The subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, suggestions, or hypothetical situations. While “hide” doesn’t frequently appear in the subjunctive mood, it’s important to understand the concept. In the subjunctive mood, the base form of the verb is used.
Example: “It is essential that he hide the evidence immediately.”
Idiomatic Expressions
Understanding idiomatic expressions involving “hide” can add depth to your understanding of the language. Here are a few examples:
- Hide your light under a bushel: To conceal your talents or abilities.
- Hide out: To conceal oneself, often to avoid detection.
- Hide something away: To put something in a place where it cannot be easily found.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about using “hid” and “hidden”:
- Q: What is the difference between “hid” and “hidden”?
- Q: Can I use “hidden” without an auxiliary verb?
- Q: Is “hide” a regular or irregular verb?
- Q: How do I use “hidden” in a passive voice sentence?
- Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using “hid” and “hidden”?
A: “Hid” is the simple past tense form of “hide,” used to describe completed actions in the past. “Hidden” is the past participle form, used with auxiliary verbs in perfect tenses and passive voice constructions.
A: No, “hidden” requires an auxiliary verb (have, has, had, is, are, was, were, been) to form perfect tenses or passive voice constructions. Using it without an auxiliary verb is grammatically incorrect.
A: “Hide” is an irregular verb because its past tense (“hid”) and past participle (“hidden”) do not follow the standard “-ed” ending rule of regular verbs.
A: In passive voice, use a form of the verb “to be” (is, are, was, were, been) followed by “hidden.” For example: “The treasure was hidden on the island.”
A: Common mistakes include using “hidden” in place of “hid” for the simple past tense and using “hid” with auxiliary verbs when “hidden” is required. Always check the tense and sentence structure to ensure you
are using the correct form.
Conclusion
Mastering the correct use of “hid” and “hidden” is essential for clear and accurate communication. By understanding the different forms of the verb “hide,” practicing with examples, and avoiding common mistakes, you can confidently use these words in your writing and speaking. Remember to always consider the tense and sentence structure to ensure you are using the appropriate form. With practice, you’ll improve your grammar skills and enhance your overall command of the English language.
