If you need to know the difference between 'ate' or 'eaten' and how to use each, this guide will help.
Before we get started, here is a short answer in case you are in a hurry:
- 'Ate' is the past tense form of the verb eat.
- 'Eaten' is a past participle of the word eat.
You use both forms of the verb in the past tense. So, knowing when to use each can be confusing. To ensure you understand how to use these terms, keep reading!
What is the Difference Between 'Ate' or 'Eaten?'
You learned that 'ate' and 'eaten' are past tense forms of the verb eat. So, what is the difference?
You use 'ate' as a past tense verb. 'Eaten' is a past participle used to create the perfect past tense when writing in the active voice.
You use 'ate' when writing in the past tense passive voice.
What are Active and Passive Voices?
The active voice is when the subject carries out the verb, for example:
- Henry plays with his new ball.
- I played the new game.
- Julie enjoys the chocolate cake.
The passive voice always includes a form of be, for example:
- Julie enjoys the chocolate cake.
- We are going to the party that your company sponsors.
- Harry made a cake to be enjoyed by everyone.
Definition of 'Ate': What Does 'Ate' Mean?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'ate' is the past tense form of the verb eat, which means:
- To consume by putting something into the mouth, chewing, and swallowing
- To consume, destroy, or waste as if by eating
- To corrode or eat slowly
- Bother or consume with vexation
- To eagerly or avidly enjoy something
- To cause the gradual degradation or consumption of something
Synonyms and Similar Words to 'Ate'
Synonyms are words that you can use interchangeably. Using them helps you keep your writing from sounding repetitive.
So, here is a list of 'ate' synonyms:
Consumed
- Tasted
- Licked
- Digested
- Chewed
- Swallowed
- Gulped
- Gorged
- Savored
- Feasted
- Devoured
- Snacked
- Snarfed
- Chowed down on
- Gnawed at
- Gnawed on
- Ingested
Definition of 'Eaten': What Does 'Eaten' Mean?
The same defines 'eaten' as:
- The past participle form of the verb eat
Synonyms and Similar Words to 'Eaten'
Here is a list of synonyms for 'eaten':
- Consumed
- Devoured
- Gobbled
- Licked
- Chewed
- Tasted
- Savored
- Digested
- Gulped
- Put away
- Gorged
- Digested
- Lapped
- Dined
- Downed
- Nibbled
- Gummed
- Snacked on
- Chowed on
- Polished off
Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Ate' or 'Eaten'
Pronunciation is a vital part of learning any language. Knowing how to pronounce key terms gives you the confidence to practice.
So, here is a guide you can reference when pronouncing 'ate' or 'eaten.'
- Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'ate':
āt
- Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'eaten':
ē-tun
When and How to Use 'Ate' vs. 'Eaten'
Learning the definitions of terms does now necessarily mean you know how to use them. So, here are some tips to help you decide when to use 'ate' and when to use 'eaten.'
- Use 'ate' to reference the action of eating in the past.
For example, I might say:
Layla ate all of the cookies, and I wanted to try them.
- Use 'eaten' to create past perfect tense in the active voice.
As an example, you might say:
I wish you hadn't eaten all of the cookies. I wanted to try them.
Sample Sentences Using 'Ate' or 'Eaten'
When you are learning new words, it helps to see them used in various contexts. So, here are some sample sentences using these terms. Read them to ensure that you remember how to use each.
Ate
- The banquette was delicious. We ate everything on our plates.
- When I was a child, I loved to go to holiday parties. I always enjoyed trying new foods. So, I ate everything in sight.
- I had an amazing date last night. We sat in the garden and ate food prepared with fresh ingredients from local farms.
- After we ate at the all-you-can-eat restaurant, we were so stuffed we were miserable.
- When was the last time you ate at a pub? I think you need to have a night out with friends. Let's meet for dinner at the spot down the street from your house.
- She finally confided in her friends after her troubles ate at her until they were too much to bear alone.
Eaten
- She would have enjoyed the meal more if she hadn't eaten it so quickly.
- Have you ever eaten at the Thai restaurant downtown? Anne and I went there the other day and it was wonderful.
- Was the food cooked when it was eaten? Or was it consumed raw?
- Have you eaten your salad? If not, you should try it. It is delicious!
- After he had eaten all of his food, he asked his sister if he could finish her plate.
- If she did not admit to her crimes, it would have eaten at her for the rest of her life.
- Have you eaten Rick's quiches? They are delicious.
Ate/Eaten
- Have you ever eaten food that was better than the meal we ate last night?
- I ate way too much today. I wish I wouldn't have eaten so much!
- Have you eaten your dinner? I told you we wouldn't go anywhere until you ate it all.
Final Review: The Difference Between 'Ate' or 'Eaten'
Congratulations! You finished this lesson. But before you go, let's recap what you learned about the difference between 'ate' or 'eaten':
- 'Ate' is the past tense form of the verb eat.
- 'Eaten' is the past participle of eat, used to create the perfect past tense in the active voice.
If you are curious about the meanings or grammatical uses of other confusing words, check them out before you go. You will find valuable information in each guide, like definitions, pronunciations, sentence samples, and grammar tips.
So, they are an excellent way to verify correct usage and increase your vocabulary.
