Send vs. Sent: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 3, 2023
"Send" is the present tense form of the verb, while "Sent" is its past tense and past participle form.
Key Differences
"Send" operates as the base or present tense form of the verb which signifies dispatching something or someone to a location or recipient. In sentences such as "I send the letters every week," the action refers to a current or habitual action using the verb "Send."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Conversely, "Sent" is the past tense and past participle form of the verb "send." When saying "She sent the package yesterday," the verb "Sent" conveys an action that occurred in the past.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Furthermore, "Send" can be used to denote future actions with the help of auxiliary verbs. For instance, in the sentence "She will send the email tomorrow," "Send" indicates a forthcoming action.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
On the other hand, "Sent" is frequently used in perfect tenses. A sentence like "He has sent the documents" utilizes "Sent" as a past participle in the present perfect tense, signifying an action completed in the recent past but bearing relevance to the present.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
It's paramount to differentiate between "Send" and "Sent" to avoid temporal confusion in communication. Knowing when to employ each term ensures clarity and precision in conveying time-specific actions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Send and Sent Definitions
Send
Send implies transmitting a message electronically.
She will send an email.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Send
To cause to be conveyed by an intermediary to a destination
Send goods by plane.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Sent
Sent denotes having caused someone to go in the past.
She sent her daughter to school.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
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Sent
Sent indicates having dispatched something in the past.
He sent the parcel last week.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Sent
Sent means having previously ordered or instructed.
The general sent reinforcements yesterday.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Sent
Sent signifies having caused a past sensation or event.
The news sent ripples across the community.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Send
To direct (a person) to a source of information; refer
Sent the student to the reference section of the library.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Send
To give off (heat, for example); emit or issue
A stove that sends forth great warmth.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Send
To cause to take place or occur
We will meet whatever vicissitudes fate may send.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Send
To put or drive into a given state or condition
Horrifying news that sent them into a panic.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Send
(Slang) To transport with delight; carry away
That music really sends me.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Send
To dispatch someone to do an errand or convey a message
Let's send out for hamburgers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Send
To dispatch a request or order, especially by mail
Send away for a new catalogue.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Send
To transmit a message or messages
The radio operator was still sending when the ship went down.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Send
To make a successful ascent of a sport climbing route.
She finally sent the 12a after hours of failed attempts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Send
A callout or diss usually aimed at a specific person, often in the form of a diss track.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Send
To emit; to impel; to cast; to throw; to hurl; as, to send a ball, an arrow, or the like.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Send
To pitch; as, the ship sends forward so violently as to endanger her masts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Send
Cause to be admitted; of persons to an institution;
After the second episode, she had to be committed
He was committed to prison
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Send
Broadcast over the airwaves, as in radio or television;
We cannot air this X-rated song
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Send
Send indicates dispatching something to a location.
I send mail regularly.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Send
Send denotes causing someone to go somewhere.
I'll send my son to the store.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Send
Send signifies causing something to happen or be felt.
This news will send shockwaves.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
FAQs
Can "Send" be used for future actions?
Yes, with auxiliary verbs, e.g., "She will send it."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Is "Sent" a past participle?
Yes, it's both past tense and past participle of "Send."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
How do we show completed dispatch in the past?
Use "Sent," like "He sent the letter."
Harlon Moss
Nov 03, 2023
Which is correct: "I send it yesterday" or "I sent it yesterday"?
"I sent it yesterday" is correct.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
How is "Sent" used in perfect tenses?
As a past participle, e.g., "I have sent it."
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
Can "Send" indicate causing an emotion?
Yes, like in "This will send her into laughter."
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
How do you indicate a past instruction?
Use "Sent," like "He sent them on a mission."
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
Is "Sent" used to show a past electronic transmission?
Yes, like "He sent an email."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Is "Send" used with third person singular?
Yes, with an "s", like "She sends."
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
Which form is used for ongoing actions?
"Send," as in "I still send her gifts."
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
How do you express a past sensation caused?
With "Sent," like "The news sent waves of joy."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
How can "Sent" be used with "have"?
In present perfect, like "I have sent the email."
Sara Rehman
Nov 03, 2023
Can "Sent" be used for actions before another past action?
Yes, in past perfect, e.g., "She had sent it before he asked."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
