The Past Tense of Drag: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

If you have ever been curious about the correct english language past tense of the verb drag was, this article will clear that up plus give you a look into the history of the word, the definition, and everything else you could want to learn about the american english word. 

Your writing, at its best

Compose bold, clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant

What is the Definition of the Regular Verb Drag?

The word drag in the United States is defined as:

  • something used to drag with
    • especially: a device for dragging underwater to detect or obtain objects
  •  something that is dragged, pulled or drawn along or over a surface
    • She was the third person to be dragged to New York for work. 
  •  the act or an instance of dragging or drawing
  • a movement, inclination, or retardation caused by or as if by dragging 
    • the drag of his bottom lip
  • something that retards or impedes motion, action, or advancement
  •  STREET, ROAD
    • the main drag
  • entertainment in which performers dressed as members of the opposite sex caricature gender stereotypes through the use of often outrageous costumes and exaggerated mannerisms  —often used before another noun
    • a drag show
  • DRAG RACE

How do you Conjugate Drag?

Here is the proper english verb conjugation of drag:

Base Form (Infinitive) drag 
Simple Past Tense Formdragged 
Past Participle of Dragdragged or drug 
Past Perfectdragged or drug
Present Participle/ Simple Present Perfect/ Present Tensedragging 

The History and Origin of the Word

Verb form- 

The word drag comes from the Proto-Germanic word draganan meaning to draw or pull from the PIE root dhregh meaning to drag on the ground. In the 14th century, draggen meant “to draw a grapnel along the bottom of a river, lake, etc., in search of something.” In the 15th century, drag was defined as “to draw away by force, pull haul.” From there each century brought new meanings to the word. In 1580 it was used to mean “draw along slowly.” In the 1660s it was used as “move heavily or slowly, hang with its weight while moving or being moved.” The term “Drag-out” was in 1859 to define a fight. In the 1900s we see drag being used to define the puff of a cigarette and to drag one’s feet.

Noun form- 

In the 13th century, dragge meant a load from a Scandinavian source. In the 1700s it was used for “anything attached to a moving body that retards its progress.” Then in the 1800s, it was used to describe an annoying or boring person. This period also used the word to describe women’s clothing worn by a man and part of a street. The 1900s brought us the terms drag queen and drag racing. 

Synonyms for Drag

  • Bore- one that causes weariness and restlessness through lack of interest: one that causes boredom: such as
  •  a dull or tiresome person
    • His friends are a bunch of bores.
  • Drip- a dull or unattractive person
  • Drone-  to pass, proceed, or act in a dull, drowsy, or indifferent manner 
    • The afternoon droned on.
  • Snooze- something boring or uninspiring
  • Haul- the act or process of hauling (see HAUL entry 1): PULL
    • The rope stood up under the strain of the haul.
  • Draw-  to cause to move continuously toward or after a force applied in advance: PULL
    • draw your chair up by the fire
  • Pull- to use force in drawing, dragging, or tugging
  • Tow- to draw or pull along behind: HAUL
    • tow a wagon
  • Tug- an act or instance of tugging: PULL

Example Sentences With the Word Drag

Verb

  • I’m sorry I dragged you into this
  • Sometimes they had to climb over heaps of loose rock, where Jim could scarcely drag the buggy. 

Noun

  •  My parents can be such a drag. They won’t let me do anything. 
  •  These meetings are a total drag.

Examples of the Word in Context

Summary 

Next time you need to write the word drag, you will be well prepared for everything you need to know what it is and how to use it efficiently. You should feel confident with the different conjugations, the history of the word, and the definition.

Sources:

  1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drag
  2. https://pasttenses.com/drag-past-tense
  3. https://www.etymonline.com/word/drag
  4. https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/lgbt-travel/up-and-coming-lgbtqia-destinations-around-the-world
  5. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/09/07/back-to-school-with-mario-dedivanovic
  6. https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a33824052/adjustment-factor-tesla-uses-for-big-epa-range-numbers/
  7. https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/arts/2020/08/30/indiana-avenue-black-drag-queens-shaped-indianapolis-queer-history/3308145001/
  8. https://www.nationalreview.com/2020/08/art-review-barry-x-ball-remaking-sculpture-nasher-sculpture-center/
  9. https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a33808381/russia-ekranoplan-plane-boat-wrecked/
  10. https://www.vogue.com/article/zaldy-rupauls-drag-race-emmys-interview
  11. https://www.bonappetit.com/story/burning-america-wellness