

Common Uses and Grammar Rules for "Send" vs "Sent"
English grammar sometimes confuses learners with similar-looking words used in different ways. A perfect example is the difference between send and sent. Understanding their meanings, usage, and grammar is essential for writing and speaking accurately. In this article, you’ll get a clear explanation of what makes “send” and “sent” different, with meanings, examples, and translations in various Indian languages like Malayalam, Tamil, Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, and Telugu.
Difference Between Send and Sent
While “send” and “sent” look related, they are used at different times in English sentences. Let’s explore the key difference between send and sent and how to use them properly.
Send: Meaning and Usage
Send is the base form (present tense) of the verb. It refers to causing something to go from one place or person to another now or in the future.
- Used when talking about actions happening now or regularly.
- Also used to express future intent.
Example: Please send me the details.
Sent: Meaning and Usage
Sent is the past tense and past participle form of “send.” It is used to describe actions that have already happened.
- Used for actions completed in the past.
- Appears in perfect tenses.
Example: She sent the package yesterday.
Table: Difference Between Send and Sent
Verb Form | Usage | Example |
---|---|---|
Send | Simple present, base verb, future | I will send the letter tomorrow. |
Sent | Simple past, past participle | They have sent the documents. |
As you can see in the table above, the difference between send and sent lies in the time of action and the verb tense used in a sentence.
Difference Between Send and Sent with Examples
To understand the difference between send and sent with examples, take a look at these sample sentences:
- Send: Can you send me your address? (asking for an action to happen now or soon)
- Sent: I sent you an email last night. (action finished in the past)
- Send: They always send gifts during Diwali.
- Sent: She has sent the invitation already.
Translations: Difference Between Send and Sent in Indian Languages
If you want to know the difference between send and sent meaning in different Indian languages, here are simple translations:
- Malayalam: “Send” means അയയ്ക്കുക (ayakkuka) and “sent” means അയച്ചുകഴിഞ്ഞു (ayachchukazhiyu) or അയച്ചു (ayachu).
- Tamil: “Send” is அனுப்பு (anuppu), “sent” is அனுப்பினேன்/அனுப்பியது (anuppinaen/anuppiyadhu).
- Marathi: “Send” is पाठवा (paṭhava), “sent” is पाठवले (paṭhavale).
- Hindi: “Send” is भेजना (bhejna), “sent” is भेजा (bheja).
- Urdu: “Send” is بھیجنا, “sent” is بھیجا.
- Telugu: “Send” is పంపు (pampu), “sent” is పంపింది (pampindi).
These translations can help you if you’re searching for the difference between send and sent in Malayalam, Tamil, Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, or Telugu.
Difference Between Send and Sent in English Grammar
From a grammar perspective, “send” is the present simple or base form of the verb, while “sent” is its past tense and past participle. Here’s a quick reminder:
- Use send with “I/you/we/they/he/she/it” for present or future actions.
- Use sent with any subject when speaking about actions already completed.
For more about irregular verb forms like this, see our guide on Irregular Verbs in English.
When to Use Send vs. Sent: Quick Tips
To quickly choose the right word:
- Use send for actions now or in the future.
- Use sent for completed or past actions.
If you’re interested in learning more about basic verbs, check out this helpful page: English Verb Forms.
Summary: Main Difference Between Send and Sent
The main difference between send and sent is in the verb tense. “Send” is used for present and future, and “sent” is used for the past. Knowing when to use each word is important for correct grammar in both writing and speaking.
For more grammar tips and common verb confusions, you can read about difference between do and did and make and made. Boost your grammar knowledge and write with confidence!
FAQs on Understanding the Difference Between "Send" and "Sent"
1. What is the difference between 'send' and 'sent'?
'Send' is the base form of the verb used for the present or future, while 'sent' is the past tense and past participle form.
- Send: Present or future actions (e.g., 'I will send the email now.').
- Sent: Past actions (e.g., 'I sent the letter yesterday.').
2. When should I use 'send' vs 'sent' in a sentence?
Use 'send' for present or future activities, and 'sent' for past actions.
- Use 'send' in present/future sentences: 'Please send your homework now.'
- Use 'sent' in past tense: 'She sent the documents last night.'
3. Is 'sent' the past tense of 'send'?
Yes, 'sent' is the simple past tense and past participle of the verb 'send'.
- For example: 'He sent a message yesterday.'
- 'The package has been sent.'
4. Can you give examples of 'send' and 'sent' in sentences?
Here are examples showing the correct use of 'send' and 'sent':
- Send: 'Please send me your address.'
- Sent: 'I have sent the invitation.'
5. Why is 'send' used instead of 'sent' in some sentences?
'Send' is used when the action happens now or will happen in the future, according to English verb tense rules.
- 'Send' shows an ongoing or future event.
- 'Sent' marks a completed, past event.
6. What is the verb form of 'sent'?
'Sent' is the past tense and past participle form of the verb 'send'.
- Base form: Send
- Past tense: Sent
- Past participle: Sent
7. What type of verb is 'send'?
'Send' is an irregular verb in English.
- Its past tense and past participle is 'sent', not formed with -ed.
- It is used to describe the action of causing something to go from one place to another.
8. How do you use 'sent' in a present perfect sentence?
To use 'sent' in the present perfect tense, combine it with 'have' or 'has'.
- Example: 'She has sent the parcel.'
- This shows the action was completed at an unspecified time before now.
9. Which is correct: ‘I have send’ or ‘I have sent’?
'I have sent' is the correct form.
- In present perfect tense, use the past participle: 'sent'.
- 'Send' cannot be used after 'have' or 'has' in this tense.
10. What are common mistakes between using 'send' and 'sent'?
A common mistake is using 'send' instead of 'sent' in the past tense, or vice versa.
- Use 'send' for now or future actions.
- Use 'sent' for past actions.
- Do not use 'I have send' – the correct form is 'I have sent'.

















