Have you ever paused mid-sentence wondering whether to write “get past” or “get passed”? You’re not alone.
This phrase confuses thousands of English learners and even native speakers every day.
People search for this keyword to confirm which version is grammatically correct, when to use each one, and how they differ in meaning.
The confusion mainly comes from the words “past” (a preposition, adverb, or noun) and “passed” (the past tense of pass).
Both sound identical when spoken, but they serve different roles in writing.
In this guide, we’ll quickly clear up the difference, trace the origin of both words, compare British and American spellings, and show you real-life examples.
By the end, you’ll never mix up “get past” and “get passed” again.
Get Past or Get Passed – Quick Answer
✅ The correct phrase is “get past.”
“Get past” means to move beyond something — physically, emotionally, or metaphorically.
Example:
- I can’t get past the traffic jam.
- She finally got past her fear of failure.
“Get passed” is almost never correct unless “passed” is used as a past-tense verb with a direct object.
Example:
- He got passed the ball during the game. (Here, passed = was given.)
Quick rule:
- Use “get past” for movement or progress.
- Use “get passed” only when someone receives something that was passed.
The Origin of “Get Past” or “Get Passed”
The word “past” comes from the Middle English paast, meaning “gone by” or “beyond.” It’s related to pass, which originated from the Old French passer, meaning “to go by.”
The difference between past and passed developed when English began distinguishing adjectives/prepositions (past) from verbs (passed).
So:
- Past = position or time (something beyond).
- Passed = action (something you did).
That’s why “get past” became the correct form when referring to moving beyond, while “get passed” stayed limited to the sense of receiving something.
British English vs American English Spelling
Interestingly, “get past” and “get passed” are spelled the same way in both British and American English. The difference lies not in spelling, but in usage context.
However, British English often uses “past” more flexibly, sometimes in idioms Americans might phrase differently.
| Usage Type | American English | British English | Example |
| Movement beyond | get past | get past | She couldn’t get past the queue. |
| Receiving something | get passed | get passed | He got passed the note in class. |
| Emotional recovery | get past | get past | I can’t get past the breakup. |
| Sports/competition | get past | get past | They couldn’t get past the semi-finals. |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
✅ If you’re writing for an international or general audience, use “get past.”
It’s universally recognized and grammatically correct.
- US readers: “Get past” sounds natural and is used in both formal and casual writing.
- UK/Commonwealth readers: “Get past” is equally standard and clear.
Only use “get passed” when describing something being handed or transferred.
Example: He got passed the microphone.
For all other cases—emotions, challenges, locations—stick with “get past.”
Common Mistakes with “Get Past” or “Get Passed”
Here are frequent mix-ups and how to fix them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
| I can’t get passed my fear. | I can’t get past my fear. | Fear isn’t being handed; it’s something to overcome. |
| We need to get passed this point. | We need to get past this point. | Movement beyond → use “past.” |
| She got past the exam easily. | ✅ Correct | Means she succeeded or moved beyond. |
| He got passed the ball. | ✅ Correct | Received the ball → verb “passed.” |
Tip:
If the sentence works with move beyond, use past.
If it works with give/hand over, use passed.
“Get Past” or “Get Passed” in Everyday Examples
In emails:
- I can’t get past this login error.
- Please get passed this report to the manager. (Meaning: hand it over.)
In news headlines:
- Voters struggle to get past corruption scandals.
- The player got passed the defender with ease.
In social media posts:
- Can’t get past how good this show is!
- Got passed a note in class today—throwback!
In formal writing:
- The company needs to get past its internal conflicts to grow.
“Get Past or Get Passed” – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data from Google Trends shows that “get past” is searched far more often than “get passed.”
- In the United States, “get past” dominates by over 80%.
- In the UK, “get past” is also the preferred phrase.
- India, Canada, and Australia follow the same trend.
Table: Global Keyword Popularity
| Country | “Get Past” (%) | “Get Passed” (%) |
| United States | 82 | 18 |
| United Kingdom | 79 | 21 |
| Canada | 81 | 19 |
| Australia | 80 | 20 |
| India | 77 | 23 |
The data proves that “get past” is globally accepted as the correct form in most contexts.
FAQs About “Get Past” or “Get Passed”
1. Which is correct: get past or get passed?
✅ “Get past” is correct in most cases. “Get passed” is only right if something is being handed or transferred.
2. Why do people confuse get past and get passed?
They sound identical (homophones), but differ in function—one is a preposition, the other a verb.
3. Can I say “I can’t get passed this”?
No. It should be “I can’t get past this” because you mean “move beyond.”
4. Is “get past” formal or informal?
It’s neutral—works in both formal and casual writing.
5. How do I remember the difference easily?
Think: If you move → past. If you give → passed.
6. Is there any regional variation?
No major difference—both US and UK English agree on “get past” for movement.
7. Can I use “get past” metaphorically?
Yes. Example: It’s hard to get past my mistakes.
Conclusion
The phrase “get past” is the correct and most widely accepted form when expressing the idea of moving beyond a challenge, obstacle, or point in time. “Get passed” is only correct when you literally receive something that’s handed over.
By understanding the part of speech—past as a preposition, passed as a verb—you’ll avoid common mix-ups.
In both British and American English, “get past” remains the safe, clear, and professional choice for everyday communication. Whether you’re writing an email, essay, or tweet, choose “get past” to sound polished and correct.
