The past and past participle forms of bid
Bid as a verb
To bid is to command, order, request, or direct.
- The Prime Minister bids all citizens to pay tax.
- I bid you join our party.
You can also bid for something. In this case, you are saying that you will offer a certain amount of money for something that is for sale.
- The antique dealer bid $200 for the rug.
- He said that he would bid for the contract.
When bid is used with this meaning, its past and past participle forms are also bid.
- The collector bid $3000 for the painting. (Simple past)
- I have bid $500 for that vase. (Present perfect)
Bid can also mean tell, wish, say or greet. Note that when bid is used with this meaning, its past tense is bade.
- He bade us farewell.
- He bade his mother good-bye.
Bid as a noun
When bid is used as a noun, it is the amount of money you are offering for something.
- What was the highest bid for the painting?
Bid can also mean ‘attempt’ or ‘effort’.
- His bid for the presidency failed. (= His attempt to become the president failed)
- In a bid to attract more buyers, the company reduced the prices of its products. (= In an attempt to attract more buyers, …)
