Conjugation of "Fit" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
To be the right size or shape for something; to go into or attach to something.
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All 12 Tenses of "Fit"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "fit" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I fit |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I fit/fitted |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will fit |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am fitting |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was fitting |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be fitting |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have fit/fitted |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had fit/fitted |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have fit/fitted |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been fitting |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been fitting |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been fitting |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Fit" — Fit or fitted
The past simple of "fit" is "fit or fitted". Use it for completed actions at a specific past time. Because "fit" is irregular, "fit or fitted" is not formed by adding -ed — you have to memorize this form. See our simple past tense guide for a deeper explanation of the simple past.
Past Participle of "Fit" — Fit or fitted
The past participle of "fit" is "fit or fitted". Use it after "have/has/had" for the perfect tenses ("I have fit or fitted"), and after "be" for passive constructions ("It was fit or fitted"). Because "fit" is irregular, "fit or fitted" is not the same as the past simple — students often confuse the two forms.
Is "Fit" Regular or Irregular?
"Fit" is an irregular English verb. Its principal parts are: base form "fit", past simple "fit or fitted", and past participle "fit or fitted". The 3rd-person singular present is "fits" and the present participle/gerund is "fitting". Conjugation pattern: fit ~ fit ~ fit (or regular -ed variant).
Conjugation pattern: fit ~ fit ~ fit (or regular -ed variant)
How to Pronounce "Fit" and Its Forms
Fit: /fɪt/ — Stress pattern: O
The short 'i' vowel from 'sit'. Double 't' is pronounced as one sound, not two.
Common mispronunciation of "fit"
Occasionally mispronounced with a long 'i' like 'feet' instead of the short 'i' in 'sit'.
How to Use "Fit" — Common Grammar Patterns
Use 'fit in' for time: 'Can you fit me in on Friday?' Use 'fit with' for compatibility: 'This style fits with the modern design.'
S + V + (with/into) + nounS + V + adverb (well, perfectly, snugly)
Example Sentences with "Fit" in Different Tenses
- Simple Present: These shoes fit perfectly and are very comfortable. A1
Common Collocations with "Fit"
- fit in
- fit into
- fit with
- fit well
- fit together
When to Use "Fit" vs Similar Verbs
Smart synonyms — when to use each one
- suit — when clothing or appearance matches appropriately
- accommodate — when space or capacity allows something to be
- belong — when something is in the right place or
Antonyms: mismatch, clash
Common Mistakes with "Fit"
-
Wrong: She fit often.
Correct: She fits often.
Add "s" to the verb when the subject is third-person singular (he/she/it).
Origin and Etymology of "Fit"
From Old Norse fitja (to put together). Related to 'fitting' and 'outfit'.
Conjugation Tables for "Fit"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not fit · He does not fit
- Simple past: I did not fit · She did not fit
- Present perfect: I have not fit or fitted · He has not fit or fitted
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you fit? · Does he fit?
- Simple past: Did you fit?
- Present perfect: Have you fit or fitted?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is fit or fitted
- Simple past passive: It was fit or fitted
- Present perfect passive: It has been fit or fitted
Frequently Asked Questions About "Fit"
- Is "fit" regular or irregular?
- "fit" is an irregular verb. Its past simple is "fit/fitted" and past participle is "fit/fitted". You must memorize these forms.
- What is the past tense of "fit"?
- The simple past of "fit" is "fit/fitted".
- Are the past simple and past participle the same for "fit"?
- Yes, for this irregular verb, both the past simple and past participle are "fit/fitted".