# threw

/ˈθɹu/ (US) · /θɹˈuː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/threw
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. past tense of throw

verb · CEFR A2

the past tense of 'throw'. You use this when someone moved their arm quickly to send something through the air.

For teachers: the simple past tense of the irregular verb 'throw'. It describes the action of propelling something through the air with force.

- The boy threw the ball to his dog in the park yesterday.
- The pitcher threw a fast curveball that completely fooled the batter, ending the inning and securing the team's lead.

Usage: This is the past tense form and does not change based on the subject (I threw, they threw).

### 2. past participle (informal)

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal · Dialect

a casual way to say 'thrown'. Some people use this after 'have' or 'has' in informal speech.

For teachers: a non-standard past participle of 'throw'. While common in certain regional dialects and informal speech, it is generally avoided in academic or professional writing.

- He should have threw that old shirt away a long time ago.
- In some regional dialects, you might hear a speaker say they 'should have threw' the rubbish out, though 'thrown' is the expected form in standard contexts.

Usage: Used as a past participle in place of 'thrown'.

Teaching tip: Learners should recognize this in casual speech but should always use 'thrown' in their own writing and formal speaking.

## Examples

- He threw the ball to his friend.
- The pitcher threw a fast curveball that the batter missed completely.
- After the celebration ended, the children threw handfuls of colourful confetti into the air, watching it drift slowly toward the grass.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.