The spelling of "mowed mown" can be a bit confusing. The verb "mow" has two past tense forms: "mowed" and "mown." The difference lies in whether the verb is transitive or intransitive. When "mow" is used transitively (i.e., with an object), the past tense is "mowed." When used intransitively (without an object), the past tense is "mown." In IPA phonetics, "mowed" is /moʊd/ and "mown" is /moʊn/. So, for example, "he mowed the lawn" and "the grass had been mown."
"Mowed" and "mown" are verb forms that refer to the action of cutting grass or vegetation using a tool or machinery, typically to maintain or groom a lawn or field. While "mowed" is the simple past tense and past participle form of the verb "mow," "mown" specifically functions as the past participle form.
"Mowed" and "mown" can be used interchangeably depending on the context and intended meaning. The choice between the two forms depends on the grammatical structure of the sentence and the verb tense being used. For instance, one may say, "I mowed the lawn yesterday," where "mowed" is the simple past tense form. On the other hand, when using the passive voice or the perfect tenses, one may say, "The lawn has been mown," where "mown" is the past participle form.
The term "mowed" or "mown" is not limited to cutting grass; it can also be used when referring to cutting down other types of vegetation in a similar manner. The action of mowing is commonly accomplished using specialized machines such as lawn mowers, trimmers, or agricultural equipment. It is an essential practice in landscaping and agriculture, ensuring the maintenance and aesthetic appeal of lawns, parks, gardens, or agricultural fields.
The word "mowed" and "mown" are derived from the Old English word "māwan", which means "to cut with a scythe". This word has Germanic roots and is related to other Germanic languages such as Middle High German "mæhen" and Old Norse "mǫða". Over time, the Old English verb "māwan" went through regular sound changes and development in pronunciation, which led to the forms "mow" and "mowed". Additionally, the past participle "mown" evolved from the Old English "gemāwen" through similar linguistic processes.