Dictionary-enhanced word family
Word Forms of “Bite”
To use your teeth to cut into something.
Word Family of Bite
Some English words keep the same spelling as a noun and a verb. Context tells you which form is being used.
How to Use Each Word Form in a Sentence
- The dog bit the mailman's leg when he approached the gate. A1
- She bites her nails when she is nervous or worried. A2
- The mosquito bit me several times during the camping trip. A2
Origin and Word Formation of Bite
From Old English bītan, related to German beißen; cognate with bit (past tense).
Common Word Form Mistakes with Bite
Wrong: The snake bited the hunter when he stepped into the forest.
Correct: The snake bit the hunter when he stepped into the forest.
Irregular verb: past tense is 'bit' not 'bited'; present tense 'bites' adds -es.
Wrong: She has bit her lip during the presentation.
Correct: She has bitten her lip during the presentation.
Present perfect requires past participle 'bitten' (not 'bit') after 'have'.
Frequently Asked Questions About Word Forms of Bite
What are the word forms of “bite”?
The confirmed forms are shown in the word family cards above. Missing parts of speech are hidden instead of filled with placeholder text.
What part of speech is “bite”?
“bite” is primarily a verb. Some forms above show how the same root works as other parts of speech.
Can “bite” be both a noun and a verb?
Yes. Some words keep the same spelling across parts of speech; the surrounding sentence shows the function.
Where does “bite” come from?
From Old English bītan, related to German beißen; cognate with bit (past tense).