Sought : Past Tense of  “Seek”

​The word “seek” is a powerful and versatile verb in the English language, conveying a sense of active pursuit, desire, and exploration. 

While its present form is widely recognized, its past tense, “sought”, often causes confusion for non-native speakers and even some native English users. 

This article delves into the nuances of “seek,” exploring its past form, its historical roots, and its modern applications in both formal and informal contexts. 

We’ll also provide a guide on how to use it effectively in your writing and speech.

​The Irregularity of “Sought”

​Unlike many verbs that follow a predictable pattern (e.g., “walk” becomes “walked,” “talk” becomes “talked”), “seek” is an irregular verb. 

This means its past tense and past participle forms do not simply add “-ed.” Instead, the word changes to “sought.” 

This irregularity is a remnant of Old English, where verbs had more complex conjugation patterns. 

The word “sought” is derived from the Old English word “sōhte,” which had the same meaning: to search for, to look for, or to desire.

​Understanding this irregularity is crucial for proper grammar and clear communication. Using “seeked” is incorrect and can be a tell-tale sign of grammatical error. 

The correct forms are:

• ​Present Tense: I seek, you seek, he/she/it seeks, we seek, they seek

• ​Past Tense: I sought, you sought, he/she/it sought, we sought, they sought

• ​Past Participle: have sought, had sought, was sought

Using “Sought” in Context

The Historical and Etymological Journey of “Sought”