Conjugation of "Mention" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
To speak about or refer to something briefly; to say or write something without going into detail.
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All 12 Tenses of "Mention"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "mention" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I mention |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I mentioned |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will mention |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am mentioning |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was mentioning |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be mentioning |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have mentioned |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had mentioned |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have mentioned |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been mentioning |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been mentioning |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been mentioning |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Mention" — Mentioned
The past simple of "mention" is "mentioned" — 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 mentioned her new job in the email. A1
Past Participle of "Mention" — Mentioned
The past participle of "mention" is "mentioned" — the same form as the past simple, since "mention" is a regular verb. Use it after "have/has/had" for perfect tenses ("I have mentioned") and after "be" for passive voice ("It was mentioned").
- She mentioned her new job in the email. A1
Is "Mention" Regular or Irregular?
"Mention" is a regular English verb. Its past simple and past participle are both formed by adding "-ed" to give "mentioned". The 3rd-person singular present is "mentions" and the gerund/present participle is "mentioning".
Conjugation pattern: regular -ed
How to Pronounce "Mention" and Its Forms
Mention: /ˈmɛnʃən/ — Stress pattern: Oo
Two syllables: MEN-shun. Stress on first syllable. The 'tion' makes 'shun' sound.
Common mispronunciation of "mention"
Sometimes pronounced 'men-shawn' with emphasis on second syllable; stress should be on MEN.
Syllable breakdown: men · tion
How to Use "Mention" — Common Grammar Patterns
Often used with 'that' clause ('He mentioned that he was busy'). Can use with object and infinitive: 'She mentioned needing help'.
S + V + noun (mention something)S + V + that-clause (mention that)S + V + gerund (mention doing something)
Example Sentences with "Mention" in Different Tenses
- Simple Present: He didn't mention that he was leaving early. A2
- Simple Past: She mentioned her new job in the email. A1
Common Collocations with "Mention"
- mention something — She mentioned a new plan.
- mention to someone — I mentioned it to my manager.
- mention that — He mentioned that he was leaving.
- worth mentioning — It's worth mentioning that prices increased.
- mention in passing — She mentioned it in passing.
When to Use "Mention" vs Similar Verbs
Smart synonyms — when to use each one
- refer to — when discussing something within broader context
- cite — for formally quoting sources in academic writing
- note — for drawing attention to something briefly and informally
Antonyms: conceal, hide
Common Mistakes with "Mention"
-
Wrong: She mention me about it.
Correct: She mentioned it to me. / She mentioned me.
Use "mention + object + to + person" OR "mention + person"; not "mention + person + about". -
Wrong: He mentioning the issue yesterday.
Correct: He mentioned the issue yesterday.
Use simple past (mentioned), not present continuous, for completed past actions. -
Wrong: They mentioned about their plan.
Correct: They mentioned their plan.
"Mention" takes a direct object; avoid the preposition "about".
Origin and Etymology of "Mention"
From Latin 'mentio' meaning 'a calling to mind, mention' — related to 'mens' meaning 'mind'.
Conjugation Tables for "Mention"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not mention · He does not mention
- Simple past: I did not mention · She did not mention
- Present perfect: I have not mentioned · He has not mentioned
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you mention? · Does he mention?
- Simple past: Did you mention?
- Present perfect: Have you mentioned?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is mentioned
- Simple past passive: It was mentioned
- Present perfect passive: It has been mentioned
Frequently Asked Questions About "Mention"
- Is "mention" regular or irregular?
- "mention" is a regular verb. Add -ed for past simple and past participle: "mentioned".
- What is the past tense of "mention"?
- The simple past of "mention" is "mentioned".
- When do I use simple present vs present continuous with "mention"?
- Use simple present for habits, facts, and routines: "I mention every day." Use present continuous for actions happening right now: "I am mentioning right now."
- What's a common mistake with "mention"?
- Use "mention + object + to + person" OR "mention + person"; not "mention + person + about". Wrong: "She mention me about it." Correct: "She mentioned it to me. / She mentioned me."