What's the Difference Between 'Bit' and 'Bitten'?

In this blog post we look at when to use bit and when to use bitten.

'Bit' or 'Bitten'?

Bit and bitten are two forms of the verb "bite", which means to cut or tear with the teeth.

Bit is the simple past tense form of "bite", which is used to describe an action that started and was completed in the past.

Bitten is the past participle form of "bite", which is used to describe an action that was completed in the past. It is often used in the past perfect tense, which is used to describe an action that was completed before another action in the past.

It can also be used with the auxiliary verb "have" to form the present perfect tense, which is used to describe an action that was completed at some point in the past and has an effect on the present.

Here are a few examples of sentences that use "bit" and "bitten" correctly:

  • "He bit into the apple and tasted the sweet juice." (bit: simple past tense form of "bite")

  • "She had bitten into the apple before she realized it was sour." (bitten: past participle form of "bite" used in past perfect tense)

  • "He has bitten into an apple every day for the past week." (bitten: past participle form of "bite" used with the auxiliary verb "have" to form the present perfect tense)

  • "The dog bit the mailman on the leg." (bit: simple past tense form of "bite")

  • "She had been bitten by a dog before and was terrified of them." (bitten: past participle form of "bite" used in past perfect tense)

  • "He has been bitten by a dog before and is always cautious around them." (bitten: past participle form of "bite" used with the auxiliary verb "have" to form the present perfect tense)

Examples of Bit in a Sentence

  1. "The snake bit the mouse and killed it."

  2. "She bit her lip in frustration."

  3. "He bit his tongue by accident."

  4. "The mosquito bit her and left a red bump."

  5. "He bit into the sandwich and tasted the mustard."

  6. "She bit into the apple and tasted the cinnamon."

  7. "He bit into the cookie and tasted the nuts."

  8. "The dog bit the thief and chased him away."

  9. "She bit into the avocado and tasted the lime juice."

  10. "He bit into the grapefruit and tasted the sugar."

Examples of Bitten in a Sentence

  1. "The spider had bitten the fly before it could escape."

  2. "She had bitten her nails before she realized it was a bad habit."

  3. "He had bitten his tongue before he realized it would hurt."

  4. "He had been bitten by a wasp and was allergic to the venom."

  5. "She had been bitten by a dog and was terrified of them."

  6. "He had been bitten by a tick and was worried about contracting a disease."

  7. "She had bitten into the avocado and tasted the lime juice."

  8. "He had bitten into the grapefruit and tasted the sugar."

  9. "She had bitten into the burrito and tasted the beans."

  10. "She had been bitten by a mosquito and was applying ointment to the bite."


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Bit or Bitten
Bit or Bitten