Conjugation of "Contain" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
To hold or have something inside; to include something as part of a whole.
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All 12 Tenses of "Contain"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "contain" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I contain |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I contained |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will contain |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am containing |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was containing |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be containing |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have contained |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had contained |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have contained |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been containing |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been containing |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been containing |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Contain" — Contained
The past simple of "contain" is "contained" — 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.
Past Participle of "Contain" — Contained
The past participle of "contain" is "contained" — the same form as the past simple, since "contain" is a regular verb. Use it after "have/has/had" for perfect tenses ("I have contained") and after "be" for passive voice ("It was contained").
Is "Contain" Regular or Irregular?
"Contain" is a regular English verb. Its past simple and past participle are both formed by adding "-ed" to give "contained". The 3rd-person singular present is "contains" and the gerund/present participle is "containing".
Conjugation pattern: regular -ed
How to Pronounce "Contain" and Its Forms
Contain: /kənˈteɪn/ — Stress pattern: oO
The stress is on the second syllable: kun-TAYN. The 'ai' in 'contain' sounds like 'ay' in 'day'.
Common mispronunciation of "contain"
Some learners say 'con-TANE' with a long 'ay' sound, but the second vowel should be clearer: kun-TAYN.
Syllable breakdown: con · tain
How to Use "Contain" — Common Grammar Patterns
Use 'contain' for both physical objects and abstract concepts like information.
S + V + noun (the box contains books)S + V + what-clause (the report contains what we discussed)
Common Collocations with "Contain"
- contain information — The manual contains detailed instructions.
- contain ingredients — This dessert contains eggs and dairy.
- contain chemicals — Some plastics contain harmful chemicals.
- contain + number — The library contains over 100,000 books.
- contain details — The report contains all the necessary details.
When to Use "Contain" vs Similar Verbs
Smart synonyms — when to use each one
- hold — for physically holding objects inside a container
- include — for having something as part of a larger
- comprise — for making up the essential parts of something
Common Mistakes with "Contain"
-
Wrong: The box is containing old letters.
Correct: The box contains old letters.
"Contain" is stative; use simple present. It expresses what something has inside, not an action. -
Wrong: These foods are containing too much salt.
Correct: These foods contain too much salt.
State verbs describe properties or composition, not ongoing processes. -
Wrong: The report are containing important data.
Correct: The report contains important data.
Use singular verb "contains" with singular subject "report".
Origin and Etymology of "Contain"
Latin: com- (together) + tenere (to hold); originally meant holding together.
Other Forms of "Contain"
- Noun: container
- Adjective: contained
Conjugation Tables for "Contain"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not contain · He does not contain
- Simple past: I did not contain · She did not contain
- Present perfect: I have not contained · He has not contained
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you contain? · Does he contain?
- Simple past: Did you contain?
- Present perfect: Have you contained?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is contained
- Simple past passive: It was contained
- Present perfect passive: It has been contained
Frequently Asked Questions About "Contain"
- Is "contain" regular or irregular?
- "contain" is a regular verb. Add -ed for past simple and past participle: "contained".
- What is the past tense of "contain"?
- The simple past of "contain" is "contained".
- When do I use simple present vs present continuous with "contain"?
- Use simple present for habits, facts, and routines: "I contain every day." Use present continuous for actions happening right now: "I am containing right now."
- What's a common mistake with "contain"?
- "Contain" is stative; use simple present. It expresses what something has inside, not an action. Wrong: "The box is containing old letters." Correct: "The box contains old letters."