What is the past tense of "perform"?

The past simple of "perform" is "performed". He performs magic tricks at parties.

What is the past participle of "perform"?

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

What is a common mistake with "perform"?

Wrong: "She performed an excellent presentation.". Correct: "She gave an excellent presentation.". 'Perform' is less common for presentations; use 'give'.

How do you pronounce "perform"?

/pərˈfɔːrm/ — Stress second: per-FORM. Two syllables.

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

Q: Is "perform" regular or irregular?

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

Look up another verb

All 12 Tenses of "Perform"

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

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

Past Tense of "Perform" — Performed

The past simple of "perform" is "performed" — 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 "Perform" — Performed

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

Is "Perform" Regular or Irregular?

"Perform" is a regular English verb. Its past simple and past participle are both formed by adding "-ed" to give "performed". The 3rd-person singular present is "performs" and the gerund/present participle is "performing".

Conjugation pattern: regular -ed

How to Pronounce "Perform" and Its Forms

Perform: /pərˈfɔːrm/ — Stress pattern: oO

Stress second: per-FORM. Two syllables.

Syllable breakdown: per · form

How to Use "Perform" — Common Grammar Patterns

Takes object: 'perform surgery', 'perform a dance'.

S + perform + N
S + perform + V (gerund)

Example Sentences with "Perform" in Different Tenses

Simple Present: To perform well in exams, practice consistently. B1
Simple Future: The band will perform tomorrow night. B1

Common Collocations with "Perform"

perform surgery
perform a task
perform on stage
perform duties

When to Use "Perform" vs Similar Verbs

Smart synonyms — when to use each one

execute — formal context for carrying out duties
act — specifically for entertainment or theater

Common Mistakes with "Perform"

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

Origin and Etymology of "Perform"

From Middle French performer, meaning to carry out.

Other Forms of "Perform"

Noun: performance

Conjugation Tables for "Perform"

Negative Forms

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

Question Forms

Simple present: Do you perform? · Does he perform?
Simple past: Did you perform?
Present perfect: Have you performed?

Passive Voice (where applicable)

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

Frequently Asked Questions About "Perform"

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