burn, burned (burnt), burned (burnt)

Base form Past Simple Past Participle
burn
burned
burned
burn
burnt
burnt
-ing form
burning
s
burns
         

Is it "burned" or "burnt"?

American English: burn, burned, burned
British English: burn, burnt, burnt

American English:
In American English, "burnt" is used only as an adjective, while "burned" is used as the past tense and past participle verb.

British English:
Traditionally, in British English "burnt" was more common as the past tense and past participle of "burn", but "burned" has gained popularity in recent years.

Example

Using "burned" (past tense or past participle verb):

  • He burned the old letters in the fireplace.
  • The chef accidentally burned the steak while cooking.
  • She burned her hand while taking the cookies out of the oven.
  • They burned the midnight oil to finish their project.

Using "burnt" (adjective) in American English:

  • The toast was completely burnt and inedible.
  • His fingers smelled of burnt wood after the campfire.
  • The forest was covered in burnt trees after the wildfire.
  • She had a burnt taste in her mouth after drinking the coffee too hot.
  • Does burnt toast cause cancer?

Using "burnt" (past tense or past participle verb) in British English:

  • He burnt his hand while cooking.
  • They burnt all the old documents to destroy sensitive information.

to injure, damaged by fire, heat, sun, or acid

to produce flames or heat

Verbs that start with "bur-"


Verbs that end with "-urn"

Verbs Exercises

 

Information and tools

E-Mail:[email protected]

© 2010 - 2025. www.yhlearn.com