2007-03-27 22:03:23 · 14 answers · asked by Buckers26 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
"Plateau" is a noun, not a verb, so it doesn't have a past tense.
However, if you were to assume the existence of an imaginary verb, "to plateau" (i.e. to reach a plateau), then the past tense would probably be "plateau'd", where the apostrophe indicates an omitted 'e'. There's no right answer, because the verb doesn't really exist.
To be strictly correct, try using "to reach a plateau". In the past tense: "Our research has reached a plateau". Much easier!
2007-03-27 22:07:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Plateau is indeed a verb and the past tense is plateaued. Perhaps those who have discounted the word plateau as a verb should use a dictionary - the meaning being "to reach a stage where there is little or no change, especially after a period of activity"
2007-03-29 01:18:22 · answer #2 · answered by Beanbag 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How Do You Spell Plateau
2016-11-01 21:35:14 · answer #3 · answered by barn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be Plateaued.
However I think using the word Plateau as a verb is horrible.
2007-03-27 22:15:02 · answer #4 · answered by mainwoolly 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Plateau is a noun. it describes a flat area - usually in a hilly or mountainous region.
In modern use it has started to be used as a verb.
so you could say that "the temerature cycle had reached a plateau" or "the temerature cycle had plateaued"
2007-03-27 22:11:21 · answer #5 · answered by SeabourneFerriesLtd 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Plateau is a noun and does not have a past tense. The plural is plateaux.
2007-03-28 21:08:05 · answer #6 · answered by lix 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is real simple. The word is spelled plateaued. I am an English major so be confident in my answer. Take care
2007-03-28 03:15:03 · answer #7 · answered by carly071 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Plateaued:
verb ( -teaus, -teaued, -teauing) [ intrans. ] reach a state of little or no change after a time of activity or progress : the industry's problems have plateaued out. ORIGIN late 18th cent.: from French, from Old French platel, diminutive of plat ‘level.’
Another definition: http://www.allwords.com/word-plateaued.html
2007-03-27 22:11:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
plateaued
–verb (used with object)
to cause to remain at a stable level, esp. to prevent from rising or progressing: "Rising inflation plateaued sales income."
2007-03-27 22:08:59 · answer #9 · answered by pieO 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i think plateau is one of those words that always stays the same... i am at the plateau.... i was at the plateau.... i have been to the plateau.... i will go to the plateau.....
on second thoughts plateaux kind of rings a bell?????
2007-03-28 01:18:01 · answer #10 · answered by kirsty b 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋