Blowed or blew? It’s a question that often confuses English learners and even native speakers. But fear not, as I am here to shed some light on this matter. Let’s dive in and explore the correct usage of these two words!
So, you might have heard someone say, “I blowed out the candles on my birthday cake,” or “She blowed her nose loudly.” Does that sound right to you? Well, the truth is, “blowed” is not considered correct in standard English. The correct past tense of the verb “blow” is indeed “blew.”
Let me explain why. “Blew” is the past tense form of “blow” and is commonly used when referring to the action of expelling air forcefully from the mouth or making sound by wind, such as blowing out candles, blowing bubbles, or blowing a musical instrument. For instance:
1. Yesterday, I blew out the candles on my birthday cake.
2. He blew the dust off the old book.
3. The wind blew so strongly that we had to hold onto our hats.
In these examples, “blew” is used to indicate actions that happened in the past. It is the correct form, and using “blowed” instead would be considered grammatically incorrect and nonstandard.
Now, you might wonder why some people still use “blowed” in everyday speech. Well, regional dialects and colloquial language play a significant role here. Some dialects, particularly in certain regions of the United States, use “blowed” instead of “blew” in informal conversations. However, it’s important to note that in formal writing or academic contexts, only “blew” should be used.
To avoid confusion, it’s best to stick to the standard usage and remember that “blew” is always the correct past tense form of “blow.” Whether you’re writing an essay, preparing for an English exam like the IELTS, or engaging in a formal conversation, using “blew” will demonstrate your command of standard English.
To summarize, “blew” is the correct past tense form of “blow.” Although you may encounter the informal usage of “blowed” in certain dialects, it is essential to differentiate between formal and informal language. Now that you know the correct form, you can confidently use “blew” in your everyday conversations and writing.
Remember, language is a dynamic and evolving entity, and various dialects and informal usages exist. However, embracing the standard and widely accepted form of a language empowers you to communicate effectively and be understood by a broader audience. So, let’s blow past any confusion and use “blew” as the correct past tense form of “blow!”