A Bent-tastic Tale of Two Words

Understanding “Bended” vs. “Bent”

Today, we will learn about two similar words: “bended” and “bent.” They both come from the word “bend,” but they are used differently.

History of the Words

“Bend” is a very old English word that means to make something curved or to change its shape from straight to not straight. Over time, people started using “bent” as the past tense of “bend.”

“Bended” is an old-fashioned way of saying “bent” and is not used much today. You might see it in old books or hear it in poems and songs. One place you might hear “bended” is in the phrase “on bended knee,” which means to kneel down, often as a sign of respect.

How to Use the Words

Bent: “Bent” is the word we use most of the time for the past tense and past participle of “bend.”

• He bent the wire to make a hook.
• The tree branch bent under the weight of the snow.
• I bent down to pick up the coin.
• She noticed the bent corner of the page.
• They bent the metal carefully.

Bended: “Bended” is an old or special way to use the word. You might see it in some phrases.

• He asked for her hand in marriage on bended knee.
• The knight pledged loyalty on bended knee.
• In the song, they speak of bended reflections in the water.
• Some tales tell of kings being begged on bended knee.
• The art piece described figures in bended postures.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Most of the time, just use “bent” if you’re talking about something that was bent in the past. Remember “bended” is special and old. Think of “bended knee” if you want to use “bended” right.

Summary

In summary, “bent” is the usual past tense and past participle form of “bend.” Use “bended” in special cases or old-fashioned writing, like “on bended knee.” Knowing these differences helps you use each word correctly!