Past Tense of Fit

The past tense of fit can cause some confusion between whether it is right to use 'fit' or 'fitted'.

First it is important to understand the meaning of fit as a verb because it has three principal uses.

Meaning of the Verb 'to Fit'

To be the right size or shape:

This dress fits me really well
This wardrobe won't fit through the door
My car won't fit in that space

To be suitable for something:

The punishment should fit the crime
She fits into her new role work perfectly
This new office space fits the requirements of our company

To provide something and put it in position:

Top Carpets Ltd fit your carpets for free
My dentist will fit my braces tomorrow
They are fitting smoke alarms into their home

Past Tense of Fit

What you use for the past tense of fit depends on whether you are using the general American English derived version or the British English one.

In American English, the standardised usage is fit. However, in British English, there is more division over the use of fit or fitted, though fitted tends to be the version that is preferred or used more often. So this is how it may vary:

"The business suit that I tried on yesterday fit perfectly"

"The business suit that I tried on yesterday fitted perfectly"

American English (fit)

That dress that I tried on yesterday fit me perfectly
The new office space that they found fit their requirements
They fit smoke alarms into their home three years ago

British English (fitted)

That dress I tried on yesterday fitted me perfectly
The new office space that they found fitted their requirements
They fitted smoke alarms into their home three years ago

It's important though to remember that these are not fixed rules and you may get different people making different choices for the past simple of fit, irrespective of the words history.

Other Tenses

These guidelines for the past tense of fit also apply to the past participle used in the perfect tense. So, in American English, there is a preference for fit:

The punishment should have fit the crime
The company has just fit my carpets

Or in British English:

The punishment should have fitted the crime
The company has just fitted my carpets

Adjectives

When you are thinking about the past simple of fit, don't get it mixed up with adjectives where the words can have a different meaning:

She is very fit (healthy)
He is a perfect fit for the job (suitable)
I've met a guy I think is really fit! (attractive)

But fitted as an adjective is also possible, but this is to indicate something that is designed to fit:

He is wearing a fitted suit

Summary

So the general differences between fit and fitted in the past tense are:

American English = fit is used
British English = fitted is used

More Confusing Words:

When to choose assure or ensure
Should you use assure or ensure? One means to give someone confidence, while the other means to make certain.
The Difference Between There, Their, and They're
This confusing words lesson explains the difference between there, their, and they're, which often stump learners of English.
To vs Too: What is the difference?
Learn about to vs too. To is used as a preposition and to indicate moving towards something. Too means excessive or also. These two words are commonly confusing for English learners. To vs Too grammar mistakes will be noticeable so it's important to understand them.
Alot or A Lot Grammar Differences. Which should you use?
Which should you choose of these two words - alot or a lot? A lot means that there is many of something. For instance, 'There are a lot of people here'. Alot is actually not a word that exists, so don't use it!
What are the differences between bought and brought?
Do you know the differences between bought and brought? One is the past of "bring" and the other of "buy".
Past Tense of Feel: Choosing feel or felt
The past tense of feel is felt. We don't say feeled as feel is an irregular verb which means that it doesn't follow the usual pattern of past simple verbs.
How to Use Either and Neither with Examples
Advice on how to use either and neither in English grammar. They can be adjectives, adverbs, pronouns and conjunctions.
Zero Article Rules with Examples
Here we look at zero article rules with examples. We have no article when referring to general concepts, abstract nouns, proper nouns, and mass nouns.
Be / Get Used to: Learn the Differences
Be / get used to is used to talk about something that one is familiar with or accustomed to. There are slight difference between 'be' and 'get'.
Every Day or Everyday? How to Choose
In choosing between every day or everyday you need to understand that one is a determiner plus noun while the other is an adjective.
Past tense of hang - Explanation and examples
In using the past tense of hang, there is often confusion over whether to use hanged or hung. Here we will explain the differences and which one is correct.
Titled Versus Entitled: How to Choose
This lesson examines titled versus entitled. The words are very different in meaning so it's important to know which is correct.
Anyway or Anyways Grammar. What's the difference?
Should you use anyway or anyways? Anyway is an adverb that has two meanings. One is 'regardless', the other is to indicate that you are returning to talk about some thing you were talking about before. Anyways has the same meanings but it is very informal English.
Difference Between Accept and Except
Do you know the difference between accept and except? One is about receiving something, the other about exclusion.
Its or It's: Grammar rules to know the difference
Simple rules for its or it's: "It's" with the apostrophe is the shortened form of "it is" or "it has": "It's (it is) hot today"; "It's (it has) been a long time since I saw you". "Its" on the other hand indicates the possessive: "The company increased its wages".
Lose or Loose: Which to choose?
Choosing between lose or loose can be confusing for English learners. The difference though are fairly simple.
People Are or Is Grammar Explanation with Examples
Deciding whether to say people are or is in English grammar can be confusing but the explanation is in the difference between the plural and the singular.
Difference Between Emigrate and Immigrate
The difference between emigrate and immigrate can be confusing. While one means to leave one's own country or region, the other is to come.
Drank or Drunk: Advice on which to choose
Confused about whether to use drank or drunk? Drunk is actually the past participle used with the verb 'have'. So 'I have drunk a lot tonight'. 'Drank' is simply the past simple: 'I drank a lot last night'.
Is it complement or compliment?
Is it complement or compliment? One refers to enhancing something, the other expresses praise or admiration.
Classification of Prepositions in English: Types and Examples
This classification of prepositions in English explains how they can be single, double, phrasal or detached.
Difference between affect and effect: Verb or Noun?
The difference between affect and effect is that while one is a noun, the other is a verb. So this will influence where you place the word in your sentence.
Differences Between Infer and Imply
Understand the differences between Infer and Imply with this explanation and example sentences.
Backward vs Backwards Grammar Differences Explained
Backward can be an adverb or an adjective. As an adjective it means regressive or undeveloped. As an adverb it indicates direction. So those are the Backward vs Backwards grammar differences. The 's' arises with differences between the US and the British Spellings.