Send vs. Sending — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 7, 2024
"Send" is the base form of the verb, used to indicate the act of causing something to go or be taken to a place, while "sending" is the present participle form, indicating the ongoing process of dispatching or transmitting.
Difference Between Send and Sending
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Key Differences
"Send" is the base or infinitive form of the verb, typically used to describe the action in a general sense. It can be used in simple present, past, and future tenses to indicate the act of causing something or someone to go to a specified place. For instance, "I send letters every month." On the other hand, "sending" is the present participle or gerund form of "send," used to describe the action as it is happening or in continuous tenses, as well as to function as a noun. For example, "I am sending an email right now."
In terms of usage, "send" is often seen in imperative sentences, where commands or requests are made, such as "Send me the report by noon." Meanwhile, "sending" is used in progressive tense constructions to indicate an action that is currently in progress, e.g., "She is sending out invitations."
The verb "send" can also pair with modal verbs to express necessity, possibility, or intention, such as in "We must send aid immediately." Conversely, "sending" is frequently used with auxiliary verbs like "am," "is," or "are" to form the present continuous tense, reflecting actions that are ongoing, e.g., "They are sending reinforcements."
"Send" is versatile and can also appear in infinitive phrases used to express purpose or intention, for example, "To send a message clearly." In contrast, "sending" can act as a noun to denote the act or process of dispatching something, as in "The sending of troops was a decisive action."
Despite their different forms and uses, both "send" and "sending" revolve around the concept of dispatching, transmitting, or causing something to move from one place to another, with the main distinction lying in their grammatical function and the aspect of time they convey.
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Comparison Chart
Form
Base/Infinitive
Present Participle/Gerund
Usage in Sentences
"I send emails daily."
"I am sending an email right now."
Tense
Simple Present, Past, Future
Present Continuous
Function
Main verb
Part of continuous verb forms, Noun
Example with Modal
"We should send help."
N/A
Continuous Aspect
N/A
"They are sending reinforcements."
Infinitive Usage
"To send a clear message."
N/A
As a Noun
N/A
"The sending of aid was crucial."
Compare with Definitions
Send
To cause to go or be taken to a place.
I send a card to my grandmother every year.
Sending
The action of dispatching something.
I am sending out party invitations.
Send
To transmit electronically.
Send the document via email.
Sending
In progress of consigning.
We are sending the goods tomorrow.
Send
In imperative for instructions.
Send help immediately!
Sending
Currently transmitting electronically.
She's sending a text message now.
Send
To dispatch or consign.
We will send the package by courier.
Sending
Used in continuous forms.
He's sending weekly updates to the team.
Send
Used with modals for intentions.
We must send a response soon.
Sending
Acting as a noun, the act of dispatching.
The sending of humanitarian aid is underway.
Send
To cause to be conveyed by an intermediary to a destination
Send goods by plane.
Sending
To cause to be conveyed by an intermediary to a destination
Send goods by plane.
Send
To dispatch, as by a communications medium
Send a message by radio.
Sending
To dispatch, as by a communications medium
Send a message by radio.
Send
To direct to go on a mission
Sent troops into the Middle East.
Sending
To direct to go on a mission
Sent troops into the Middle East.
Send
To require or enable to go
Sent her children to college.
Sending
To require or enable to go
Sent her children to college.
Send
To direct (a person) to a source of information; refer
Sent the student to the reference section of the library.
Sending
To direct (a person) to a source of information; refer
Sent the student to the reference section of the library.
Send
To give off (heat, for example); emit or issue
A stove that sends forth great warmth.
Sending
To give off (heat, for example); emit or issue
A stove that sends forth great warmth.
Send
To utter or otherwise emit (sound)
Sent forth a cry of pain.
Sending
To utter or otherwise emit (sound)
Sent forth a cry of pain.
Send
To hit so as to direct or propel with force; drive
The batter sent the ball to left field. The slap on my back sent me staggering.
Sending
To hit so as to direct or propel with force; drive
The batter sent the ball to left field. The slap on my back sent me staggering.
Send
To cause to take place or occur
We will meet whatever vicissitudes fate may send.
Sending
To cause to take place or occur
We will meet whatever vicissitudes fate may send.
Send
To put or drive into a given state or condition
Horrifying news that sent them into a panic.
Sending
To put or drive into a given state or condition
Horrifying news that sent them into a panic.
Send
(Slang) To transport with delight; carry away
That music really sends me.
Sending
(Slang) To transport with delight; carry away
That music really sends me.
Send
To dispatch someone to do an errand or convey a message
Let's send out for hamburgers.
Sending
To dispatch someone to do an errand or convey a message
Let's send out for hamburgers.
Send
To dispatch a request or order, especially by mail
Send away for a new catalogue.
Sending
To dispatch a request or order, especially by mail
Send away for a new catalogue.
Send
To transmit a message or messages
The radio operator was still sending when the ship went down.
Sending
To transmit a message or messages
The radio operator was still sending when the ship went down.
Send
Variant of scend.
Sending
Variant of scend.
Send
To make something (such as an object or message) go from one place to another (or to someone).
Every day at two o'clock, he sends his secretary out to buy him a coffee.
She sends me a letter every month.
Sending
To heave upward on a wave or swell.
Send
To excite, delight, or thrill (someone).
Sending
The rising movement of a ship on a wave or swell.
Send
(transitive) To bring to a certain condition.
Sending
Present participle of send
Send
To dispatch an agent or messenger to convey a message or do an errand.
Seeing how ill she was, we sent for a doctor at once.
Sending
The act by which somebody or something is sent.
Send
(transitive) To cause to be or to happen; to bring, bring about; (archaic) to visit: (Referring to blessing or reward) To bestow; to grant. (Referring to curse or punishment) To inflict. Sometimes followed by a dependent proposition.
Sending
The act of causing something to go (especially messages)
Send
To pitch.
Send
To make a successful ascent of a sport climbing route.
She finally sent the 12a after hours of failed attempts.
Send
To care.
Send
(telecommunications) An operation in which data is transmitted.
Send
An icon (usually on a computer screen and labeled with the word "Send") on which one clicks (with a mouse or its equivalent) or taps to transmit an email or other electronic message.
Good thing I didn't hit send on that resume; I just noticed a bad typo.
Send
(nautical) scend
Send
(Scotland) A messenger, especially one sent to fetch the bride.
Send
A callout or diss usually aimed at a specific person, often in the form of a diss track.
Send
(climbing) A successful ascent of a sport climbing route.
Send
To cause to go in any manner; to dispatch; to commission or direct to go; as, to send a messenger.
I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran.
I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
Servants, sent on messages, stay out somewhat longer than the message requires.
Send
To give motion to; to cause to be borne or carried; to procure the going, transmission, or delivery of; as, to send a message.
He . . . sent letters by posts on horseback.
O send out thy light an thy truth; let them lead me.
Send
To emit; to impel; to cast; to throw; to hurl; as, to send a ball, an arrow, or the like.
Send
To cause to be or to happen; to bestow; to inflict; to grant; - sometimes followed by a dependent proposition.
The Lord shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke.
And sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
God send your mission may bring back peace.
Send
To dispatch an agent or messenger to convey a message, or to do an errand.
See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away my head?
Send
To pitch; as, the ship sends forward so violently as to endanger her masts.
Send
The impulse of a wave by which a vessel is carried bodily.
Send
Cause to go somewhere;
The explosion sent the car flying in the air
She sent her children to camp
He directed all his energies into his dissertation
Send
To cause or order to be taken, directed, or transmitted to another place;
He had sent the dispatches downtown to the proper people and had slept
Send
Cause to be directed or transmitted to another place;
Send me your latest results
I'll mail you the paper when it's written
Send
Transport commercially
Send
Assign to a station
Send
Transfer;
The spy sent the classified information off to Russia
Send
Cause to be admitted; of persons to an institution;
After the second episode, she had to be committed
He was committed to prison
Send
Broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television;
We cannot air this X-rated song
Common Curiosities
How do you use "send" in a sentence?
"Send" can be used as a command, as part of an infinitive phrase, or with modal verbs, e.g., "Send the files."
In what tense is "send" used?
"Send" can be used in present, past, and future tenses, depending on the context.
What does "sending" indicate in a sentence?
"Sending" indicates an ongoing action or process, often used in present continuous tense.
What is the main difference between "send" and "sending"?
"Send" is the base form of the verb, while "sending" is the present participle form, used for ongoing actions.
Is "send" used in formal communication?
Yes, "send" is appropriate for both formal and informal communication.
Can "sending" function as a gerund?
Yes, "sending" can act as a gerund, which is a noun form derived from a verb, e.g., "Sending emails takes time."
Can "sending" be used without an auxiliary verb?
"Sending" typically requires an auxiliary verb when used in a verb phrase, but can stand alone as a noun.
Is "sending" ever used in passive constructions?
Yes, "sending" can be used in passive constructions, especially in continuous forms, e.g., "A package is being sent."
How do modal verbs affect the use of "send"?
Modal verbs can express necessity, permission, or ability with "send," e.g., "You should send an apology."
How does the use of "send" change with different subjects?
The form "send" stays the same, but the tense may change depending on the subject and time, e.g., "He sends," "They sent."
What role does "sending" play in business communication?
"Sending" is crucial in business for transmitting documents, messages, and updates.
How do "send" and "sending" relate to electronic communication?
"Send" is the action of transmitting, and "sending" indicates the ongoing transmission of electronic communications.
Can "send" be used metaphorically?
Yes, "send" can be used metaphorically, e.g., "This song sends me to another place."
Can "send" and "sending" be used interchangeably?
No, their use depends on the grammatical structure and tense of the sentence.
What is a common mistake when using "send" and "sending"?
A common mistake is confusing their use in tenses, especially not using "sending" with the correct auxiliary verb in continuous tenses.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.