When a verb like cast has multiple meanings and forms, it can definitely create some confusion, especially when using it in the past tense. So, to set things straight, I’ll lay out all the details in this quick breakdown of the words cast and casted to show you exactly how to use either in a sentence.
Different Meanings for Cast
I love when a single word has so many ways to be used. But I know how tricky it can be to get the proper uses straight. In English, the term “cast” is a super versatile verb with several meanings:
- Throwing or propelling something, like casting a fighting line.
- To direct or assign someone to a specific role, like in a play or movie.
- Shaping a substance, like metal or pottery, by carefully pouring it into a mold and letting it cool.
- To deposit or shed something, like a snake shedding its skin.
Hold up! “Cast” can also be a noun, though, to refer to the roster of actors in a movie or TV show. Collectively, they’re known as the cast.
What Is the Past Tense of Cast?
While it might be tempting for you to add the suffix “-ed” to form the past tense of “cast” because that’s how we usually change the tense of a verb, the correct past tense is actually just “cast.”
The verb “cast” is considered irregular, meaning it simply doesn’t follow the standard rule of adding the suffix “-ed” to form the past tense. So, instead, “cast” just stays the same in the past and present tenses, whether you’re using it in the simple past or past participle.
How Do You Use Casted?
“Casted” isn’t actually considered a real word in the English language. It might have been once upon a time, but not today. And most dictionaries will reject its use. It was used as the past tense of “cast” in British English for a while but has since been nixed.
Cast Examples in a Sentence
- I went fishing with my dad and cast the fishing line into the river as I stood by his side.
- The first-time director managed to cast a famous actor in the lead role of his first movie.
- I love that local artisans cast their sculptures in bronze.
- My pet snake cast its skin and slithered away into its home.
- I can’t believe they’re remaking the Twilight movies into a TV show; I hope they don’t get the old cast back.
- The dye was cast, and the decision was made; we’re going with navy blue for the dresses.
Don’t Use Casted
So, there you have it, folks! That’s the difference between the irregular verb cast and casted, explained as simply as I can manage. Just remember that “cast” is the word you use for all forms and tenses. It can be a verb and a noun, and you should shy away from using “casted” in any sense.
Comments are closed.