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

The English language loves to keep us on our toes, and the verb “tear” is no exception. Depending on context, “tear” can describe ripping something apart or shedding a drop of emotion. But when you move into the past tense, things get even trickier. Is it “tore,” “teared,” or “torn”? Each word feels like it belongs—yet only some are grammatically correct in certain situations.

If you’ve ever paused mid-sentence wondering about the past tense of tear, you’re not alone. This tiny word creates outsized confusion, especially because it wears more than one grammatical hat. Its meaning changes based on how it’s used, and so does its form.

In this guide, we’ll pull the verb “tear” apart—pun intended—and walk through its past tense, past participle, and even its emotional uses. Whether you’re writing fiction or filling out paperwork, you’ll finally get it right

Quick Summary

The verb “tear” wears many hats, and that’s exactly why it confuses so many writers. When referring to ripping something apart—like paper, fabric, or even rules—“tore” is the correct past tense of tear. Use “torn” when you need the past participle, often with helping verbs like “have” or “was.” But here’s the twist: when you’re talking about crying or shedding tears, the verb shifts. That’s where “teared” comes in—though it’s used far less frequently and only when referring to eyes welling up.

If you’ve asked yourself “what is the past tense of tear?”, you’re not alone. Many confuse “teared” and “tore,” not realizing they serve different meanings. This guide breaks it all down, showing when to use tear past tense forms correctly depending on the context. Whether you’re storytelling or drafting a formal document, knowing the right version avoids those awkward grammar stumbles

Why Is There Confusion About the Past Tense of Tear?

The confusion starts with the fact that “tear” is a homograph. It has two distinct meanings:

• To rip or pull apart something by force
• To shed tears as in crying

To make it even trickier, both forms come from different roots and follow different grammar rules.

Add to that:

• People try to apply regular verb patterns (like add “-ed”) to an irregular verb
• Slang and casual speech sometimes use “teared” where “tore” or “torn” should be used

So it’s easy to see why the question “what is the past tense of tear?” keeps coming up.

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What Does “Tear” Mean? Understanding the Verb in Context

Before tackling tenses, it’s important to clarify “tear” in all its meanings:

• Tear (verb – rip): To pull something apart forcibly
• Tear (noun – damage): A ripped or split portion of something
• Tear (verb – cry): To shed liquid drops from the eyes, often from emotion
• Tear (noun – crying): A drop of liquid from the eye
• Tear (verb – speed): To move suddenly or noisily

Here are examples:

• Don’t tear the paper.
• There was a tear in her dress.
• She teared up during the movie.
• He tore down the street on his bike.

Past Tense of “Tear”: Which One Is Correct?

If you’re talking about ripping or damaging something:

• Simple Past: Tore
• Past Participle: Torn

Example: He tore his jeans. They had been torn for weeks.

If you’re talking about crying:

• Simple Past: Teared (yes, this is actually valid but in this specific emotional context)

Example: She teared up when she saw the puppy.

Quick Recap:

Meaning	Verb Form	Correct Past Tense
To rip	tear	tore (past), torn (participle)
To cry	tear (weep)	teared

Pronunciation Breakdown

Words like tear, tore, torn, and teared often confuse learners due to their similar sounds but different uses.

Word	Pronunciation	Sounds Like	Usage
Tear	/tɛr/, /tɪər/	tair, teer	Present tense (rip or cry)
Tore	/tɔːr/	tohr	Past tense (rip)
Torn	/tɔːrn/	torn	Past participle (rip)
Teared	/tɪərd/	teerd	Past tense (crying only)

Verb Tense Table: Tear in Present, Past, and Future

Tense Type	Verb Form	Example Sentence
Present Simple	tear	I tear open my mail carefully.
Past Simple	tore	He tore the fabric accidentally.
Present Participle	tearing	She is tearing the newspaper.
Past Participle	torn	The letter had been torn already.
Past (crying)	teared	He teared up during the sad scene.
Future Simple	will tear	They will tear down the building soon.

Examples in Context: “Tear,” “Tore,” “Torn,” and “Teared”

Tear (Present)

I always tear the packaging too fast.

Tore (Past Tense)

Yesterday, he tore a hole in his favorite shirt.

Torn (Past Participle)

That old photo has been torn into pieces.

Teared (Past of Crying)

She teared up when they played her wedding song.

Common Synonyms for Each Verb Form

“Tear” (Present)

• Rip
• Slash
• Split
• Snip
• Shred

“Tore” (Simple Past)

• Ripped
• Shredded
• Split
• Pulled apart

“Torn” (Past Participle)

• Damaged
• Frayed
• Rended
• Lacerated

“Teared” (Crying)

• Wept
• Sobbed
• Cried
• Misted (eyes)

Origins of the Word “Tear”

(Crying – Noun & Verb)

• Old English: tēar (noun)
• Proto-Germanic: tahraz
• Related to emotional expression

(Rip – Verb)

• Old English: teran (to rip, lacerate)
• Proto-Germanic: teran
• Related to forceful separation

(Noun – Damage)

• Derived from the same root as the verb “to tear”

(Move Noisily)

• Figurative usage (e.g., “tear down the street”)
• Linked to aggressive or quick movement

When to Use Tore, Torn, or Teared – A Grammar Recap

Ask yourself: Am I talking about crying or ripping?

• If it’s about ripping, use:
  • Tore for simple past
  • Torn for past participle
• If it’s about crying, use:
  • Teared only

Checklist

Usage	Use This	Never Use
Ripping	tore/torn	teared
Crying	teared	tore/torn

“He tore up the letter” ≠ “He teared up watching the movie.”

Final Take: What Is the Past Tense of Tear?

The past tense of “tear” depends entirely on context. If you’re ripping something, say “tore” or “torn.” If you’re shedding tears, it’s “teared.”

Misusing these words doesn’t just sound odd—it can change the whole meaning of your sentence.

So the next time someone asks “what is the past tense of tear?” you can confidently explain:

• “Tore” is correct when referring to damage or ripping.
• “Torn” fits as the past participle.
• “Teared” applies only when someone is crying.

Stick to these rules, and your grammar will be sharp enough to tear through any confusion.

Bonus Tip: The question “Is it teared or tore?” isn’t silly. It’s smart to ask—even native speakers mix them up!