When Should You Use “Send” vs “Sent” in a Sentence?
Understanding the difference between “send” and “sent” is essential for correct English grammar in school, exams, and daily communication. This topic helps students write accurate answers and express actions clearly in both spoken and written English.
| Word | Tense/Form | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Send | Present (base form) | I send an email every day. |
| Sent | Past / Past Participle | I sent the parcel yesterday. |
Difference Between Send and Sent
The difference between send and sent lies in their verb tense. “Send” is the present tense, while “sent” is the past tense and also used as the past participle. Using them correctly is important for message clarity in assignments, tests, and real-life conversations.
How to Use Send and Sent in Sentences
Use “send” for actions happening now or regularly: She sends letters to her grandmother. I send my homework every week.
Use “sent” for actions completed in the past: He sent the documents yesterday. We had sent the email before noon.
After “have/has/had,” always use “sent”: I have sent the photo. They had sent the invitation.
Verb Forms of Send: Table
| Base Form (V1) | Past Simple (V2) | Past Participle (V3) | Present Participle (V4) | Third Person Singular (V5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| send | sent | sent | sending | sends |
Example Sentences: Send vs Sent
Send: Please send me your address.
Send: I always send emails on Mondays.
Sent: She sent the books last week.
Sent: We had sent the assignment by the deadline.
Quick Comparison of Send and Sent
| Aspect | Send | Sent |
|---|---|---|
| Tense / Form | Present (base form) | Past / Past participle |
| When used | Now, habit, future (with will) | Completed in the past |
| With “have/has/had” | Never | Always (“have sent”, “had sent”) |
| Example | I send gifts to my friends. | I sent a gift yesterday. |
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Incorrect: I already send the mail.
Correct: I already sent the mail.Incorrect: Have you send the file?
Correct: Have you sent the file?Incorrect: He had send the message.
Correct: He had sent the message.
Practice: Fill in the Blanks
I ______ the letter last night.
Can you ______ the details by tomorrow?
They have ______ the invitation to all guests.
She always ______ a birthday card.
By 5 pm, we had already ______ the results.
Translations: What is the Difference Between Send and Sent in Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam?
Hindi: “Send” का अर्थ है भेजना (वर्तमान), “Sent” का अर्थ है भेजा (भूतकाल)।
Tamil: “Send” என்பது தற்போதைய செயல், “Sent” என்பது கடந்த காலச் செயல்.
Malayalam: “Send” ഇപ്പോഴത്തെ പ്രവർത്തിക്ക്, “Sent” കഴിഞ്ഞ് കഴിഞ്ഞ പ്രവർത്തിക്ക് ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്നു.
Summary: Difference Between Send and Sent
The main difference between send and sent is tense: use “send” for present or habitual actions and “sent” for completed past actions or with perfect tenses. Practicing these rules will help students write correct sentences in school, exams, and everyday English. For more grammar tips, visit Vedantu’s Basic English Grammar page.
FAQs on Difference Between Send and Sent in English Grammar
1. What is the difference between 'send' and 'sent'?
The main difference lies in their tense. 'Send' is the present tense, used for actions happening now or in the future. 'Sent' is the past tense and past participle, used for actions already completed. For example: "I send emails daily." "I sent an email yesterday."
2. What is the past tense of 'send'?
The past tense of 'send' is 'sent.' It's also the past participle form, used with auxiliary verbs like 'have,' 'has,' or 'had.'
3. Which is correct: 'I have sent' or 'I have send'?
'I have sent' is correct. After 'have,' 'has,' or 'had,' always use the past participle form, which is 'sent.'
4. 'Did you send' or 'Have you sent'? Which is correct?
Both are correct, depending on the context. 'Did you send?' is simple past tense, asking about a completed action. 'Have you sent?' is present perfect, asking if the action has been completed at any point up to the present.
5. What are all the verb forms of 'send'?
The verb forms of 'send' are:
• Present tense: send
• Past tense: sent
• Past participle: sent
6. Can I use 'send' after 'have'?
No. After 'have,' 'has,' or 'had,' you must use the past participle form 'sent.'
7. Why is 'send' an irregular verb?
'Send' is irregular because its past tense and past participle ('sent') don't follow the regular '-ed' pattern. Many English verbs are irregular.
8. How do I use 'send' and 'sent' in reported speech?
In reported speech, the tense of 'send'/'sent' changes depending on the original tense. If the original sentence was in the past, 'send' might become 'sent' and vice-versa. The rules of backshifting apply.
9. How do 'send' and 'sent' work in passive voice?
In the passive voice, the past participle 'sent' is used with forms of 'be' (is, are, was, were, has been, will be, etc.). For example: "The package was sent yesterday."
10. What are some common mistakes with 'send' and 'sent'?
Common mistakes include:
• Using 'sent' instead of 'send' in present or future tenses.
• Using 'send' instead of 'sent' in past tenses or with auxiliary verbs.
• Incorrectly using tense forms with modal verbs.
11. Give examples of sentences using 'send' with modal verbs.
Here are some examples:
• I can send the document later.
• You should send a thank-you note.
• They must send the package today.
• We may send it tomorrow.
12. Give examples of sentences using 'sent' with perfect tenses.
Here are examples:
• I had sent the email before he called.
• She has sent the package already.
• They have been sent the details.
