Is this sentence grammatically correct?

Question

"The passed three years allowed your students to formulate thoughts on what they want to do for a living and how they would get there."

I was thinking passed would be correct because it is simple past tense, but someone told me it was "past." Give me some good feedback. Thanks!

Answer 1

It is past.

Answer 2

The correct word is "Past". This comes from a retired English teacher. I am glad that you are concerned about good grammar.

Answer 3

True, passed should be "past", because you're using the word as an adjective, not a verb. Additionally, I see problem with personification of "three years."   I suggest as follows:  During the past three years, your students have been able to form thoughts on what they want to do for a living and how they plan on reaching their goals. It's unclear where "there" is, otherwise.

Answer 4

past is right.  

Answer 5

The past three years  

Answer 6

PAST concerns time.  It is an adjective.  

PASSED concerns tests, stop signs and red lights.  It is a verb.

But it can be confusing:

the past three years

the three years just past

Three years have passed  

Answer 7

past is the correct term