What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bygone
Example
I often think about the bygone days of my childhood. [bygone: adjective]
Example
The old photographs reminded her of the bygone era. [bygone: noun]
past
Example
She couldn't change the past, so she focused on the future. [past: noun]
Example
He walked past the store without noticing it. [past: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Past is more commonly used than bygone in everyday language. Past is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts and has a broader range of meanings. Bygone is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bygone and past?
While bygone is slightly more formal, past is more commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
