English grammar can be tricky, especially when words don’t follow the usual rules. One question I hear all the time from students, especially younger ones or non-native speakers, is about the verb “cost.” Should we say "cost" or "costed"? In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the past tense of "cost" with simple explanations, examples, and expert tips based on my years of teaching in the United States and abroad.
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Quick Tip:
If you’re talking about how much something was to buy or spend, just use “cost.” If you’re working with financial estimates or business plans, you might need “costed.”
What Is the Past Tense of Cost?
In most situations, the past tense of "cost" is simply "cost." This might feel strange because it doesn’t change like many regular verbs. For example, we say "walk" becomes "walked," but "cost" stays the same. It's one of many irregular verbs in English that don’t follow the normal -ed rule.
Why Isn’t It Costed?
“Costed” does exist, but it’s only used in specific cases. In everyday conversation, saying “The shoes cost me $50” is correct. “Costed” is usually used in formal or professional settings like accounting or project planning. For example, “The project was costed at $2 million.”
"Learning English verbs is like riding a bike—at first, it’s wobbly, but you get the hang of it with practice." – My first English student, age 11
Examples Using “Cost” in Past Tense
Here are a few simple sentences that show how "cost" is used correctly in past tense:
- That toy cost me five dollars.
- The trip to California cost more than we planned.
- Her mistake cost the team the game.
When Should You Use “Costed”?
You might use "costed" if you're estimating or calculating expenses. For instance: "We costed the event at $10,000." This is mostly heard in business English or by people working in finance. Regular conversations almost never need “costed.”
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Is “Cost” a Regular or Irregular Verb?
“Cost” is an irregular verb. This means it does not follow the usual pattern of adding -ed for past tense. Other examples like this include “put,” “cut,” and “hit.” They all stay the same in past, present, and sometimes even future tense.
Differences Between American and British English
In both American and British English, "cost" is generally the accepted past tense. However, British English might use "costed" slightly more often in business settings. In everyday talk though, the rules are the same on both sides of the pond.
My Experience Teaching This Verb
When I first started teaching English in the United States, this was one of the top 5 most confusing verbs for new students. I created a trick: “If you’re talking about money you spent, it’s ‘cost’—always.” It helped students remember the difference in just one lesson.
How Kids Can Remember This Easily
Here's a fun way to remember it: Think of “cost” like the word “sheep.” Just like how one sheep or many sheep are both “sheep,” the verb “cost” stays the same in past and present tense. No changes needed!
Using “Cost” in Formal Writing
Even in school essays or professional documents, the past tense of “cost” is still “cost.” Don’t overthink it or try to force “costed” unless you’re breaking down numbers or estimates. Clarity and accuracy are more important than sounding fancy.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
A common mistake is saying “Those shoes costed me a lot.” That’s incorrect. The right way is “Those shoes cost me a lot.” Read your sentence aloud—if it sounds strange, it probably is. Trust your ears and keep practicing with short examples.
Other Irregular Verbs Like “Cost”
Want to learn more verbs that don’t change? Check out these: “hit,” “cut,” “set,” and “let.” Just like “cost,” they stay the same in all tenses. This makes them easier to use once you memorize them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the past tense of cost?
The past tense of “cost” is “cost.” It doesn’t change like regular verbs.
Q: Can I use “costed” instead of “cost”?
Only in business settings when talking about estimates or calculations, not normal spending.
Q: Is “cost” an irregular verb?
Yes, “cost” is irregular. It stays the same in the past, present, and past participle forms.
Q: Do Americans and British people use “costed” differently?
They both mostly use “cost,” but British English may use “costed” more often in business writing.
Q: How do I teach my kids the correct usage?
Use real-life examples and stories to show how “cost” stays the same in every tense. It makes learning easier.
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