‘Walked Passed’ or ‘Walked Past’: Which is Correct?

Do you need to know whether 'walked passed' or 'walked past' is correct? You are in luck!

Here is the quick answer: 

• 'Walked passed' is a common grammatical error. 
• 'Walked past' is the correct term for saying that someone walked by something or someone. 

Learn why 'walked past' is correct in this guide with definitions, usage tips, pronunciations, and sample sentences. Reading the entire post will help you commit the term to memory. So, let's get started!

Which is Correct, 'Walked Passed' or 'Walked Past?'

'Walk past' is correct, and 'walked passed' is incorrect. So, never use the latter.

The reason 'walked past' is correct is past is an adverb that modifies the verb walked. Passed is the past tense form of the verb pass. So, you would not use it to modify walked which is also a verb.

Furthermore, the adverb past means to reach or go beyond a specific point. So, if someone says they 'walked past,' they are saying they walked beyond a specific point.

Definition of 'Walked Past': What Does 'Walked Past' Mean?

There is no specific definition for 'walked past.' So, we are going to look at the definitions of the two words that make up this phrase: walked and past.

Definition of Walked

'Walked' is a verb that, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, means:

• To move on foot or to advance by taking steps

It can also mean:

• To come or go with ease or readily
• To go for a walk
• To advance in baseball to the first base because the pitcher threw four balls
• To go on a leisure or fitness stroll
• To avoid a criminal conviction or prosecution
• To walk out on something like the check at a restaurant
• To behave or conduct yourself in a specific manner or way
• To take strides
• To move about visibly or appear
• To advance or make headway
• To roam or wander around
• To make something, go for a walk
• To cause an action by walking
• To put something in a specific condition due to walking
• To move by walking
• To pass from one place to another by foot
• To measure or survey something by walking
• To perform or accomplish something by foot
• To pass through, along, over, atop, or beneath something by foot
• To do something at the pace of a walk

It can also be a noun that means:

• An act of going somewhere on foot
• A spacewalk
• A place where you walk
• A path designed for walking
• Sidewalk
• A promenade or public path that you walk on
• An elevated railed platform above the roof of a house
• A specific distance one is supposed to walk
• A ceremonial precession
• The characteristic of walking
• A low speed
• The gate of a biped in which it alternately raises and lowers its feet to get from one place to another
• A victory that is easy

While walked can be a noun or verb, in the phrase 'walked past,' walked is a verb.

Definition of Past

The same source defines the adverb 'past' as:

• Ago

It can also mean:

• Just elapsed or gone
• Having taken place at a time before the present
• Having existed in a time prior to the present
• A verb tense that expresses that time has elapsed
• Having served as an officer or leader at a time before the present

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Walked Past'

Now, let's look at the pronunciation of 'walked past.' Knowing how to pronounce popular phrases like this will help you use the terms more confidently.

So, here is a pronunciation guide you can follow.

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'walked past':

waakt past

Tips for When and How to Use 'Walked Past'

Here are some tips for when and how to use 'walked past.'

• Use 'walked past' to say someone went by you on foot.

For example, you could say:

She walked past us without saying a word. 

• Use 'walked past' to say that someone walked by something.

As an example, I might say:

She walked past the store without looking in the window because she knew it would be tempting to go into her favorite store and buy something. 

• Use 'walked past' to say that someone passed someone on foot.

So, you might say:

He walked past the others, leaving them behind by strides. 

Sample Sentences Using 'Walked Past'

Before you go, read these sample sentences using 'walked past' to ensure you understand how to use the term in different ways.

Walked Past

• We walked past that house on 31st St. every day on our evening walk, and we never saw anyone there.
• I walked past my ex without acknowledging him, and it felt weird.
• The freelance writer walked past the location the blog post was written about.
• She walked past the nosy neighbor quickly because she did not feel like answering her questions.
• We walked past many interesting places on our journeys through town.
• Do you think you would recognize him if he walked past you on the street?
• You walked past our home without stopping to say, 'Hello?'
• We walked past a group of people who were making jokes and laughing about us.

Review of Whether 'Walked Passed' or 'Walked Past' is Correct

After reading this entire post, you should know which of these terms is accurate and which is a grammatical error. However, we covered a ton of information. So, here is a quick recap of what you learned.

• 'Walked passed' is a grammatical error because walked and passed are both verbs, and you can't use one verb to modify another.
• 'Walked past' is an adverbial phrase that means to go by a specific point or location on foot.

Phrases like these are commonly misspelled or misused. That is why we create these grammar guides for writers. However, you will also find posts on topics like how to hire a book editor, write an outline for a book, and high-paying freelance writing jobs.

So, if you are serious about your writing career, read a few now and come back often to stay up-to-date on the latest best practices and industry changes.

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