The English language contains many irregular verbs that don’t follow standard rules when forming the past tense. One such verb is kneel. You may encounter this word in stories, religious texts, or formal situations where someone is described as bending one or both knees to the ground. Whether in a ceremonial gesture or out of respect, kneel is a verb deeply connected to actions that symbolize submission, humility, or reverence. Understanding the past tense of kneel” is essential for both writing and speaking correctly, especially when recounting events that happened in the past. This topic explores in depth the past forms of “kneel,” usage examples, grammatical notes, and variations found in different dialects.
What Is the Past Tense of Kneel?
The past tense ofkneelcan be written in two formskneltandkneeled. Both are correct, and both are accepted in English. The difference lies in regional preferences and style.
1. Knelt – The Traditional and Most Common Form
Knelt is considered the traditional and more commonly used past tense and past participle form of kneel. It is classified as an irregular verb form. This version is widely used in British English and is also prevalent in American English, particularly in formal or literary contexts.
- Shekneltbeside the grave in silent prayer.
- Hekneltdown to tie his shoelaces.
- The knightkneltbefore the king to receive his honor.
As shown above, knelt seamlessly fits into both everyday and poetic writing, often giving the sentence a more refined or formal tone.
2. Kneeled – The Regular Variant
Kneeled is a regular form and follows the standard English rule for making the past tense by adding-ed. While it is less commonly used, it is still correct and grammatically accepted. It appears more frequently in American English, especially in casual conversation.
- Shekneeledon the rug while organizing the boxes.
- Hekneelednext to his child to help tie their shoes.
Though grammatically valid, some writers and editors might prefer knelt for its smoother sound and more established usage. However, neither choice is wrong it comes down to consistency and audience.
Past Participle of Kneel
Both knelt and kneeled also serve as the past participle form of kneel. This means they are used in perfect tenses and passive voice constructions, depending on the formality and region.
Examples Using Past Participle
- She haskneltat the altar many times in her life.
- They hadkneeledtogether before the national anthem began.
- The soldier hadkneltbeside his fallen comrade.
Again, both versions are grammatically sound. It is recommended to maintain the same form (either knelt or kneeled) throughout your text to ensure consistency.
Why Are There Two Past Forms?
English verbs often evolve over time, and kneel is no exception. Historically, many English verbs had irregular past forms, but over the centuries, some began to adopt the regular -ed endings. This shift led to the coexistence of older irregular forms like knelt and newer regular ones like kneeled.
This phenomenon is not unique to kneel. Other verbs that follow a similar pattern include
- Dream → dreamed/dreamt
- Learn → learned/learnt
- Burn → burned/burnt
In these cases, the choice between the forms often depends on personal or regional preference, as well as tone and context.
Usage in British vs. American English
In British English, knelt is far more commonly used than kneeled. It is the preferred form in literature, journalism, and speech. On the other hand, American English is more flexible and tends to allow both forms, though knelt still leads in frequency.
British English Preferences
- Knelt is the dominant past tense form.
- Seen more in formal and written English.
American English Preferences
- Knelt is common in formal contexts.
- Kneeled appears more in casual and spoken contexts.
When writing for an international audience, it is generally safer to use knelt as it is universally recognized and accepted.
Tips for Using the Past Tense of Kneel
1. Be Consistent
Pick one form either knelt or kneeled and use it throughout your writing. Mixing the two in a single document can seem inconsistent or unpolished.
2. Match the Tone
If you’re writing fiction, poetry, or formal prose, knelt is often more fitting. In contrast, kneeled might suit conversational or instructional writing.
3. Know Your Audience
If you are writing for a British audience, stick with knelt. For American readers, you have more flexibility, but knelt is still the safer choice in most formal scenarios.
Common Phrases and Expressions Using “Knelt” or “Kneeled”
The verb kneel appears in several idiomatic expressions and set phrases. These often reflect ceremonial, religious, or emotional actions.
- Kneel before someoneTo show respect or submission.
- Kneel in prayerA common phrase in religious contexts.
- Take a kneeUsed in protest or solidarity, especially in political or sports settings.
Each of these expressions may require past tense usage depending on the narrative
- Heknelt beforethe queen and received his title.
- Shekneeled in prayerfor hours.
Summary of Verb Forms
| Verb Form | Irregular | Regular |
|---|---|---|
| Base Form | kneel | |
| Past Tense | knelt | kneeled |
| Past Participle | knelt | kneeled |
To summarize, the past of “kneel” can be either “knelt” or “kneeled.” Both forms are correct, with “knelt” being more traditional and common, especially in British English and formal writing. Kneeled is a regular form that is more frequently used in American English and informal contexts. Whether you use knelt or kneeled, the most important thing is to maintain consistency and be aware of your audience and tone. By understanding the options and how to apply them correctly, you can improve your grammar skills and communicate more clearly in writing and conversation.