Spend: spent
- “Spend” means to use or give money, time, or resources for a purpose.
- The past tense and past participle form of “spend” is always spent — this is an irregular verb pattern.
- Use “spent” to describe something that has already been used up, occurred, or happened.
Rules
- Use spend in the present tense to talk about current or general actions.
- Use spent in the past tense or past participle to show something is finished, completed, or already occurred.
- For past participle (perfect tenses), use spent with have, has, or had.
Examples
Tense | English | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Present Simple (spend) | I spend time on my homework every day. | I spend time on my homework every day. |
Past Simple (spent) | She spent $50 on a new book yesterday. | She spent $50 on a new book yesterday. |
Present Perfect (have/has spent) | They have spent all their savings on a vacation. | They have spent all their savings on a vacation. |
Translate the example: "I spend time on my homework every day."
I use time on my homework every day.
The sentence talks about a regular, current habit, so use the present tense "spend."
Summary
- Spend = use time, money, or resources.
- Past tense (simple and perfect) = spent.
- Keep irregular pattern in mind: spend — spent — spent.
- Always pair spent with auxiliary verbs in perfect tenses: have, has, had.
Flashcards (1 of 3)
- Tense: Present Simple (spend)
- Example Sentence: I spend time on my homework every day.
- English: I spend time on my homework every day.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025