What is the past tense of "embrace"?

The past simple of "embrace" is "embraced". She embraced the new technology enthusiastically and became the team's innovation leader.

What is the past participle of "embrace"?

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

What is a common mistake with "embrace"?

Wrong: "She embraced to the new job.". Correct: "She embraced the new job.". 'Embrace' takes a direct object (noun) without 'to'. Say 'embraced the new job' not 'embraced to'.

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

Q: Is "embrace" regular or irregular?

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

Q: How do you pronounce "embrace"?

/ɪmˈbreɪs/ — Stress the second syllable: im-BRAYSS. The 'em' at the start is unstressed.

Look up another verb

All 12 Tenses of "Embrace"

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

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

Past Tense of "Embrace" — Embraced

The past simple of "embrace" is "embraced" — 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.

She embraced the new technology enthusiastically and became the team's innovation leader. B2
He embraced his grandmother warmly when she arrived at the airport. B2
The government has embraced sustainable practices to combat climate change. B2

Past Participle of "Embrace" — Embraced

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

She embraced the new technology enthusiastically and became the team's innovation leader. B2
He embraced his grandmother warmly when she arrived at the airport. B2
The government has embraced sustainable practices to combat climate change. B2

Is "Embrace" Regular or Irregular?

"Embrace" is a regular English verb. Its past simple and past participle are both formed by adding "-ed" to give "embraced". The 3rd-person singular present is "embraces" and the gerund/present participle is "embracing".

Conjugation pattern: regular: add -ed for past simple and past participle

How to Pronounce "Embrace" and Its Forms

Embrace: /ɪmˈbreɪs/ — Stress pattern: oO

Stress the second syllable: im-BRAYSS. The 'em' at the start is unstressed.

Common mispronunciation of "embrace"

Some learners stress the first syllable (EM-brace). Correct: im-BRAYSS (second syllable stressed).

Syllable breakdown: em · brace

How to Use "Embrace" — Common Grammar Patterns

For accepting ideas/beliefs, 'embrace' is more enthusiastic than 'accept'. For physical contact, it's the most common verb for warm hugs. Common in academic and formal writing.

embrace + noun (idea/person)
embrace + gerund
be embraced by + noun

Example Sentences with "Embrace" in Different Tenses

Simple Past: She embraced the new technology enthusiastically and became the team's innovation leader. B2

Common Collocations with "Embrace"

embrace change
embrace diversity
embrace an opportunity
embrace a philosophy
embrace someone

When to Use "Embrace" vs Similar Verbs

Smart synonyms — when to use each one

adopt — More formal; emphasizes taking on an idea
accept — More general; less enthusiastic connotation
welcome — Implies positive reception, often with open arms

Antonyms: reject, spurn, refuse, push away

Common Mistakes with "Embrace"

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

Origin and Etymology of "Embrace"

From Old French 'embracier' (to clasp in the arms). 'Em-' (put in) + 'brace' (arms). Entered English in 13th century. Used figuratively for accepting ideas since 15th century.

Conjugation Tables for "Embrace"

Negative Forms

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

Question Forms

Simple present: Do you embrace? · Does he embrace?
Simple past: Did you embrace?
Present perfect: Have you embraced?

Passive Voice (where applicable)

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

Frequently Asked Questions About "Embrace"

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