overcome
Base form
overcome
/ˌəʊvəˈkʌm//ˌəʊvərˈkʌm/
Past simple
overcame
/ˌəʊvəˈkeɪm//ˌəʊvərˈkeɪm/
Past participle
overcome
/ˌəʊvəˈkʌm//ˌəʊvərˈkʌm/
MeaningB2
to succeed in dealing with a problem
to overcome adversity
In use
- After a modal verb · Form 1You can overcome your fear of flying with practice.
- Question · Form 1How did you overcome your nerves before the exam?
- Past simple · Form 2Last year Priya overcame a serious illness and ran a marathon.
- Past simple · Form 2In the end the team overcame a two-goal deficit to win.
- Passive · Form 3All the problems were overcome by careful planning.
- Present perfect · Form 3Ben has overcome his shyness since he joined the drama club.
Watch out
Like come: overcame is the past, overcome again after have: She has overcame it → She has overcome it. Never overcomed or overcamed.
Same pattern
A — B — AThe third form returns to the first
Irregular VerbsLearn all three forms for good
Short lessons by frequency or by pattern, audio for every form and daily reviews that bring back exactly the verbs you are about to forget.
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