Past Tense of Travel – Definition, Usage, and Examples
When learning English grammar, many learners often ask: What is the past tense of travel? Understanding verb forms is essential for speaking and writing correctly. Let’s break down the meaning, past tense forms, and examples of the verb travel.
What is Travel’s Past Tense?
In American English, the past tense of travel is traveled; in British English, it is travelled. Depending on the style of English you employ, both are accurate.
Traveled in American English (one “l”)
“Travered” in British English (double “l”)
Sample Phrases:
I went to a business meeting in New York yesterday.
We took a train trip across Europe last summer.
Previous Travel Participant
Additionally, traveled (US) or journeyed (UK) are the past participles of travel. Auxiliary verbs like has, have, or had are frequently employed with it.
Sample Phrases:
She has visited more than 20 nations.
They arrived at their destination after a full day of travel.
Common Mistakes with the Past Tense of Travel
-
❌ I have to travel to Paris.
✅ I have traveled/travelled to Paris. -
❌ She traveled yesterday.
✅ She traveled/travelled yesterday.
Present, Past, and Past Participle of Travel
Here’s a quick reference table for the verb travel:
| Verb Form | Example Usage |
|---|---|
| Base Form: travel | I love to travel during the holidays. |
| Past Tense: traveled/travelled | We traveled to Spain last year. |
| Past Participle: traveled/travelled | He has traveled abroad many times. |
| Present Participle: traveling/travelling | She is traveling to London right now. |