What is the past tense of "arrive"?

The past simple of "arrive" is "arrived". We arrive at the airport at 10 AM.

What is the past participle of "arrive"?

The past participle of "arrive" is "arrived". Use it after have/has/had: "I have arrived".

What is a common mistake with "arrive"?

Wrong: "He arrived to the station early.". Correct: "He arrived at the station early.". Use "at" for specific stops/locations; "to" is not standard after "arrive".

Conjugation of "Arrive" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage

Q: Is "arrive" regular or irregular?

"Arrive" is a regular English verb. Both past simple and past participle are formed by adding -ed.

Q: How do you pronounce "arrive"?

/əˈraɪv/ — Two syllables: ə-RYV. Stress on second syllable. "I" sound like in "sky".

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All 12 Tenses of "Arrive"

Quick reference table — every tense form of "arrive" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.

Tense	Example (I)	Quick rule
Simple Present	`I arrive`	Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule →
Simple Past	`I arrived`	Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule →
Simple Future	`I will arrive`	Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule →
Present Continuous	`I am arriving`	Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule →
Past Continuous	`I was arriving`	Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule →
Future Continuous	`I will be arriving`	Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule →
Present Perfect	`I have arrived`	Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule →
Past Perfect	`I had arrived`	Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule →
Future Perfect	`I will have arrived`	Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule →
Present Perfect Continuous	`I have been arriving`	Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule →
Past Perfect Continuous	`I had been arriving`	Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule →
Future Perfect Continuous	`I will have been arriving`	Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule →

Past Tense of "Arrive" — Arrived

The past simple of "arrive" is "arrived" — formed by adding "-ed". Use it for actions that were completed at a specific time in the past, such as "yesterday", "last week", or "in 2020". For the full grammar of this tense, see our simple past tense guide.

The train arrived in the station on time. A1
After years of study, he finally arrived at a solution. B2

Past Participle of "Arrive" — Arrived

The past participle of "arrive" is "arrived" — the same form as the past simple, since "arrive" is a regular verb. Use it after "have/has/had" for perfect tenses ("I have arrived") and after "be" for passive voice ("It was arrived").

The train arrived in the station on time. A1
After years of study, he finally arrived at a solution. B2

Is "Arrive" Regular or Irregular?

"Arrive" is a regular English verb. Its past simple and past participle are both formed by adding "-ed" to give "arrived". The 3rd-person singular present is "arrives" and the gerund/present participle is "arriving".

Conjugation pattern: regular -ed

How to Pronounce "Arrive" and Its Forms

Arrive: /əˈraɪv/ — Stress pattern: oO

Two syllables: ə-RYV. Stress on second syllable. "I" sound like in "sky".

Common mispronunciation of "arrive"

Sometimes mispronounced with first syllable stress (ˈarrive); correct is ə-RYV.

Syllable breakdown: ar · rive

How to Use "Arrive" — Common Grammar Patterns

Use "arrive" for reaching a destination. Often used with "at" (small place) or "in" (city/country).

V + prep + NP (at/in)
V + at + conclusion (figurative)

Example Sentences with "Arrive" in Different Tenses

Simple Present: We arrive at the airport at 10 AM. A1
Simple Past: The train arrived in the station on time. A1

Common Collocations with "Arrive"

arrive at
arrive in
arrive on time
arrive safely
arrive at a decision

When to Use "Arrive" vs Similar Verbs

Smart synonyms — when to use each one

reach — for getting to a destination successfully
land — for arriving by plane specifically
get to — for informal or colloquial arrival descriptions

Antonyms: depart, leave

Common Mistakes with "Arrive"

Wrong: She arrive often.
Correct: She arrives often.
Add "s" to the verb when the subject is third-person singular (he/she/it).

Origin and Etymology of "Arrive"

From Old French "ariver" (land on shore), from "rive" (shore).

Often used in "arrive at a conclusion/decision" meaning to reach a conclusion through thought.

Conjugation Tables for "Arrive"

Negative Forms

Simple present: I do not arrive · He does not arrive
Simple past: I did not arrive · She did not arrive
Present perfect: I have not arrived · He has not arrived

Question Forms

Simple present: Do you arrive? · Does he arrive?
Simple past: Did you arrive?
Present perfect: Have you arrived?

Passive Voice (where applicable)

Simple present passive: It is arrived
Simple past passive: It was arrived
Present perfect passive: It has been arrived

Frequently Asked Questions About "Arrive"

Is "arrive" regular or irregular?: "arrive" is a regular verb. Add -ed for past simple and past participle: "arrived".
What is the past tense of "arrive"?: The simple past of "arrive" is "arrived".
When do I use simple present vs present continuous with "arrive"?: Use simple present for habits, facts, and routines: "I arrive every day." Use present continuous for actions happening right now: "I am arriving right now."