[Grammar] Forbade or forbad? What is the past tense of forbid?

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Aamir Tariq

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Roman55

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Both 'forbade' and 'forbad' are possible. 'Forbade' can also be pronounced as 'forbad'.

'Forbid' is not archaic in BrE, but you don't often hear the past used. 'Forbidden', as a participle or used adjectivally is quite common.
 

Aamir Tariq

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I think both are pronounced in the same way. While you are speaking nobody can notice if it is forbade or forbad unless it is written.

Americans use short spellings so it might be "forbad" in American English. British people or more formal and they like to stick to old rules so they might use "forbade" more. However, modern British English is more open to changes so I don't know what the British youth prefer using forbad or forbade.
 
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Barb_D

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I've never seen "forbad" in my life.

Please don't post six links showing where it's used. I'm telling you my personal experience.

I think you might want to reconsider your idea that British people stick to the old rules. I offer the continued use of the subjunctive in the US, which has largely disappeared in the UK.
 

Aamir Tariq

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Please don't post six links showing where it's used. I'm telling you my personal experience.

What six links? Where? I have posted 2 links, not six.
 

Rover_KE

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'Forbad' was never a very popular spelling. (Click)
 
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