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Remember this!

The past tense form of 'explaining' is explained. Example: She explained the concept to her students in a simple way. (She explained the concept to her students in a simple way.)

Definition of “explain”

to make something clear or understandable
to provide information or details about something

Tense sentence structure and examples:

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Here are the general structures of a present and past participle. Remember, some verbs have an irregular form and may not follow this structure: Present Participle: [Verb] -ing Past Participle: [Verb] -ed

Past Simple	explained
Past Continuous	explaining
Past Perfect	explained

Past Simple

The simple past tense is used to describe completed actions or events that occurred at a specific point in the past.

Subject + Past Simple Verb + (Object)

Example

She explained the process step by step.

Example

He explained his reasons for leaving the company.

Past Continuous

The past continuous tense is used to indicate actions or events that were in progress or happening at a specific point in the past.

Subject + was/were + Present Participle + (Object)

Example

At that time, she was explaining the details of the project.

Example

I wasn't explaining myself clearly during the presentation.

Past Perfect

The past perfect tense is used to show that one past action or event occurred before another past action or event, emphasizing the order of events in the past.

Subject + had + Past Participle + (Object)

Example

By the end of the meeting, he had explained all the key points.

Example

She had explained the situation to her parents before taking action.

Is explained an irregular verb in the past?

No, "explained" is not an irregular past tense verb.

Learn More About Tenses

Discover the present tense of explain!

Discover the future tense of explain!