Pet means to touch or stroke an animal gently.
Petted is the past tense of pet, meaning you touched or stroked an animal before.
Have you ever paused while writing a sentence like, “I petted the dog” or “I pet the dog” and wondered which one is correct? You are not alone.
Many people search for “petted or pet” because English verb forms can be confusing, especially when the same word looks right in different ways.
This confusion often appears in everyday writing—emails, school assignments, blog posts, or even social media captions.
Some spellcheck tools accept both forms, which makes the doubt even stronger. Is pet the present tense? Is petted the past tense? Or can pet also be past tense?
This article clears up that confusion once and for all. You will get a quick answer, learn where the word comes from, see how British and American English treat it, and understand which form you should use based on your audience. By the end, you will feel confident using petted or pet correctly in any situation.
Petted or Pet – Quick Answer
Both “petted” and “pet” are correct, but they are used differently.
- Pet is the base form and present tense.
Example: I pet my cat every morning. - Petted is the past tense and past participle in standard English.
Example: I petted the dog yesterday.
Petted or Pet Meaning:
- Pet → to stroke an animal gently
- Petted → stroked an animal in the past
In American English, petted is the safest and most accepted past tense form. In some informal British usage, pet may appear as a past tense, but it is less common and not always recommended.
The Origin of Petted or Pet
The word pet comes from the 16th century. It originally meant a spoiled or favorite child. Over time, it became linked to animals that people treat with care and affection.
As a verb, to pet means to touch or stroke gently. English verbs usually form the past tense by adding -ed, which is why petted developed naturally.
Some English verbs stay the same in present and past tense (like cut or put). This has led to confusion about whether pet can work the same way. While some dialects allow it, standard grammar rules support petted as the correct past form.
British English vs American English Spelling
American and British English often follow different grammar habits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | American English | British English |
| Present tense | pet | pet |
| Past tense | petted | petted (preferred), pet (informal) |
| Formal writing | petted | petted |
| Informal speech | petted | pet (sometimes) |
Important note: Even in British English, petted is still the safer and more formal choice.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Your audience matters.
- US audience: Always use petted for the past tense.
- UK or Commonwealth audience: Use petted in writing. Pet may appear in speech but is informal.
- Global or professional audience: Choose petted to avoid confusion.
If you are unsure, petted is always correct and never wrong.
Common Mistakes with Petted or Pet
Here are frequent errors and how to fix them:
- ❌ I have pet the dog yesterday.
✅ I petted the dog yesterday. - ❌ She was pet by everyone at the shelter.
✅ She was petted by everyone at the shelter. - ❌ Mixing tense: I pet the dog yesterday.
✅ I petted the dog yesterday.
Petted or Pet in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- I petted your dog while you were away.
News:
- The rescued puppy was gently petted by volunteers.
Social Media:
- Just petted the cutest cat today 🐱
Formal Writing:
- The animal was petted to reduce stress during the procedure.
Petted or Pet – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that “petted or pet” is commonly searched in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Most searches come from students, writers, and non-native English speakers.
Usage trends show petted dominates in books, news, and online articles. Pet as a past tense appears more in casual speech and social media, mainly in the UK. For SEO, clarity, and grammar accuracy, petted is the stronger choice.
Comparison Table: Keyword Variations
| Form | Tense | Example | Recommended Use |
| pet | Present | I pet my dog daily. | Yes |
| petted | Past | I petted my dog. | Yes (best) |
| pet (past) | Past | I pet the dog. | Informal only |
FAQs
1. Is “pet” correct as a past tense?
Sometimes in informal British English, but petted is better.
2. Which is grammatically correct: petted or pet?
Both, but petted is the standard past tense.
3. Should I use petted in professional writing?
Yes, always.
4. Do grammar checkers accept “pet” as past tense?
Some do, but it may still confuse readers.
5. Is petted American English only?
No, it is correct in both US and UK English.
6. Why does “pet” sound right as past tense?
Because some English verbs do not change form, but pet usually does.
7. Which one helps SEO and clarity?
Petted.
Conclusion
The confusion around petted or pet comes from English being flexible and inconsistent at times. The good news is simple: pet is the present tense, and petted is the correct and widely accepted past tense. While you may see pet used as past tense in casual British speech, it is not the best choice for writing.
If you want to sound clear, professional, and grammatically correct, petted is the word to use. This applies to emails, articles, academic work, and global communication. Knowing your audience helps, but choosing petted will never lead you wrong.
By using the correct form, you avoid confusion, improve clarity, and build trust with readers. When in doubt, remember this rule: present = pet, past = petted. Simple, clear, and correct.
Learn more:
Verses or Versus: What’s the Difference ?(2026)
I am Olga Tokarczuk, a Polish novelist and essayist whose work is widely studied for its rich vocabulary, precise language, and literary expression. My writings are often referenced in academic and linguistic contexts for their clarity of diction and thoughtful use of words. I am a prominent figure in modern world literature.
