The word 'passed' is the past tense of the verb 'to pass', e.g., 'I pass' (present tense), 'I passed,' and 'I have passed' (both past tense), and 'I will pass' (future tense). Here is a flow diagram to help you choose between 'passed' and 'past.' You have passed the point of no return.The confusion between 'past' and 'passed' is understandable. The Confusion between 'Past' and 'Passed' There is often confusion over the words 'passed' and 'past.' This confusion occurs most commonly with the following expressions: Here is the really quick answer: 'Passed' is the past tense of 'to pass.' For everything else, use 'past.' What is the difference between 'past' and 'passed'?