Conjugation of "Throw" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
To propel something through the air with force using your hand and arm motion.
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All 12 Tenses of "Throw"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "throw" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I throw |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I threw |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will throw |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am throwing |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was throwing |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be throwing |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have thrown |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had thrown |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have thrown |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been throwing |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been throwing |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been throwing |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Throw" — Threw
The past simple of "throw" is "threw". Use it for completed actions at a specific past time. Because "throw" is irregular, "threw" 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 "Throw" — Thrown
The past participle of "throw" is "thrown". Use it after "have/has/had" for the perfect tenses ("I have thrown"), and after "be" for passive constructions ("It was thrown"). Because "throw" is irregular, "thrown" is not the same as the past simple — students often confuse the two forms.
Is "Throw" Regular or Irregular?
"Throw" is an irregular English verb. Its principal parts are: base form "throw", past simple "threw", and past participle "thrown". The 3rd-person singular present is "throws" and the present participle/gerund is "throwing". Conjugation pattern: throw-threw-thrown.
Conjugation pattern: throw-threw-thrown
How to Pronounce "Throw" and Its Forms
Throw: /θroʊ/ — Stress pattern: O
The 'oa' makes the long O sound /oʊ/, like in 'road' or 'boat'.
Common mispronunciation of "throw"
Pronouncing the 'th' as 'f' sound or rhyming with 'toe' incorrectly.
How to Use "Throw" — Common Grammar Patterns
Use for any action of propelling something via your hand; includes both gentle and forceful motions.
throw + objectthrow + object + adverbthrow + object + preposition
Example Sentences with "Throw" in Different Tenses
- Simple Present: Do not throw garbage in the river to protect it. B1
- Simple Future: She will throw her coat on the chair soon. A2
Common Collocations with "Throw"
- throw a ball — The kids throw a ball in the park.
- throw away — Don't throw away your leftovers.
- throw out — He threw out the old furniture.
- throw a party — She's throwing a party next weekend.
- throw something at someone — Don't throw things at your sister!
When to Use "Throw" vs Similar Verbs
"throw" vs "throw vs. through"
throw (verb) propels; through (prep/adv) indicates passage
Smart synonyms — when to use each one
- toss — for casual light throwing motions
- hurl — when throwing with considerable force
Antonyms: catch
Common Mistakes with "Throw"
-
Wrong: He throw the ball.
Correct: He throws the ball.
Add "s" for third-person singular (he/she/it). -
Wrong: I am throw hard.
Correct: I am throwing hard.
Use present participle (throwing), not base form, with "am". -
Wrong: They throwed the rock away.
Correct: They threw the rock away.
Past tense is "threw", not "throwed".
Origin and Etymology of "Throw"
From Old English þrāwan, originally meaning to twist or turn; evolved to mean propelling with force.
Conjugation Tables for "Throw"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not throw · He does not throw
- Simple past: I did not throw · She did not throw
- Present perfect: I have not thrown · He has not thrown
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you throw? · Does he throw?
- Simple past: Did you throw?
- Present perfect: Have you thrown?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is thrown
- Simple past passive: It was thrown
- Present perfect passive: It has been thrown
Frequently Asked Questions About "Throw"
- Is "throw" regular or irregular?
- "throw" is an irregular verb. Its past simple is "threw" and past participle is "thrown". You must memorize these forms.
- What is the past tense of "throw"?
- The simple past of "throw" is "threw".
- What's the difference between the past simple and past participle of "throw"?
- The past simple is "threw" and the past participle is "thrown". Use past simple for completed past actions ("I threw yesterday"). Use past participle with have/has ("I have thrown").
- What's a common mistake with "throw"?
- Add "s" for third-person singular (he/she/it). Wrong: "He throw the ball." Correct: "He throws the ball."