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

TenseEnglishExample 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

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