Spended vs. Spent — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 21, 2024
"Spended" is incorrect; the correct past and past participle of spend is "Spent," meaning to have used up money, time, or energy.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Spended or Spent
How to spell Spent?
Spended
Incorrect Spelling
Spent
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Remember "Spent" as the actual past form of “Spend.”
Note: “Spent” fits with tense sequences like “Spend, Spent, Spent.”
Avoid “-eded” endings for past tense, which are often incorrect.
Associate “Spent” with past activities related to using resources.
Think of "Rent" and how it rhymes with "Spent" for recalling correct spelling.
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How Do You Spell Spent Correctly?
Incorrect: They spended the entire day at the beach.
Correct: They spent the entire day at the beach.
Incorrect: I spended all my money on video games.
Correct: I spent all my money on video games.
Incorrect: He has spended too much time watching TV.
Correct: He has spent too much time watching TV.
Incorrect: We spended hours trying to solve the puzzle.
Correct: We spent hours trying to solve the puzzle.
Incorrect: She spended the weekend at her grandparents' house.
Correct: She spent the weekend at her grandparents' house.
Spent Definitions
Having expended time or effort.
He spent two hours studying.
Used regarding energy, being used up or exhausted.
After the race, he was spent.
Used up or finished.
The day was nearly spent.
Having used up money.
She spent twenty dollars.
Past and past participle of spend
Having been used and unable to be used again
A spent matchstick
Past tense and past participle of spend.
Having been put to use and therefore unavailable for use
Spent shell casings.
Depleted of energy, force, or strength; exhausted
Spent laborers.
Depleted or nearly depleted of fissionable material
Spent nuclear fuel.
Consumed, used up, exhausted, depleted.
A spent cartridge
Of fish: exhausted as a result of having spawned.
Of legislation or an enactment: no longer in force due to all of its provisions having expired or been completed.
Of a conviction: no longer appearing on a person's criminal record.
Simple past tense and past participle of spend
Exhausted; worn out; having lost energy or motive force.
Now thou seest meSpent, overpowered, despairing of success.
Heaps of spent arrows fall and strew the ground.
Exhausted of spawn or sperm; - said especially of fishes.
Drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted;
The day's shopping left her exhausted
He went to bed dog-tired
Was fagged and sweaty
The trembling of his played out limbs
Felt completely washed-out
Only worn-out horses and cattle
You look worn out
Having all been spent;
The money is all gone
Having paid out in trade or investment.
They spent wisely.
Spent Meaning in a Sentence
I spent my last vacation in Hawaii.
She spent her savings on a new car.
The company has spent millions on marketing.
She spent years perfecting her craft.
We spent the night at a hotel.
We spent the evening playing board games.
He spent the morning doing chores.
I spent the afternoon reading a good book.
She spent the whole day baking cookies.
They spent a lot of effort on their project.
They spent the holiday with family.
I spent a fortune on this watch.
They spent every summer at the lake house.
We spent a week in the mountains last year.
I spent a semester studying abroad.
He spent his retirement traveling the world.
I spent all my energy on that workout.
We spent too much on groceries this week.
She spent the last hour looking for her keys.
He spent considerable time learning Spanish.
She spent her lunch break walking in the park.
We spent the first day of spring planting flowers.
He spent his childhood in a small town.
They spent Sunday morning at the park.
He spent his earnings on a new gaming system.
Spent Idioms & Phrases
Money spent
The amount of money used for purchasing or investing.
The money spent on renovations greatly increased the house's value.
Spent force
Someone or something that has lost its power or influence.
After years of leading the industry, the company is now seen as a spent force.
Day spent
How one used their time throughout a day.
It was a day spent in laughter and joy with friends.
Years spent
The period of time dedicated to a particular activity or place.
The years spent in research paid off when the vaccine was developed.
Resources spent
The materials, money, or other assets used or consumed.
The resources spent on the project were substantial but necessary.
Time well spent
Refers to time that was used effectively or enjoyably.
The weekend at the retreat was time well spent for everyone.
Energy spent
The amount of physical or mental effort expended.
After the marathon, he felt every bit of his energy spent.
Life spent
Referring to how one has used their time over the course of their life.
She reflected on her life spent helping others.
Weekend spent
How one used their time during the weekend.
The weekend spent away from the city was refreshing.
Effort spent
The amount of work or attempt put into doing something.
The effort spent on the presentation was evident and appreciated.
Money well spent
Refers to expenditures that are considered worthwhile or valuable.
The charity donation was money well spent.
Common Curiosities
What is the root word of Spent?
Spend.
What is the singular form of Spent?
Spent (it doesn’t have a singular/plural form).
Why is it called Spent?
Derived from Old English "spendan," Spent is the past form.
What is the verb form of Spent?
Spend is the base form; Spent is the past and past participle.
Which preposition is used with Spent?
"On" (e.g., spent on clothes) or "in" (e.g., spent in May).
Is Spent a noun or adjective?
Can serve as a verb or adjective.
What is the pronunciation of Spent?
[spent]
Which vowel is used before Spent?
No specific vowel is consistently used before “Spent.”
Is Spent a vowel or consonant?
It’s a word, containing both.
Which conjunction is used with Spent?
No specific conjunction is inherently linked with “Spent.”
Is Spent a negative or positive word?
Neutral.
Is the word Spent imperative?
No.
Which determiner is used with Spent?
Varies: can use "the," "this," or "my" depending on context.
Is Spent a collective noun?
No.
How do we divide Spent into syllables?
Spent is one syllable and isn’t divided.
What is the opposite of Spent?
Saved or conserved.
Which article is used with Spent?
Typically "the" might be used (e.g., the money spent).
Is the Spent term a metaphor?
No.
Is the word “Spent” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Can be used as either depending on sentence structure.
What is a stressed syllable in Spent?
The whole word “Spent” is stressed.
What is another term for Spent?
Expended or used.
Is Spent an adverb?
No.
Is Spent an abstract noun?
No.
Is Spent a countable noun?
No.
Is the word Spent a gerund?
No.
How many syllables are in Spent?
One.
What part of speech is Spent?
Verb (past tense) and sometimes adjective.
What is the first form of Spent?
Spend.
What is the second form of Spent?
Spent.
What is the third form of Spent?
Spent.
How is Spent used in a sentence?
Example: She spent her vacation in Paris.
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Written by
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.