Understanding the difference between Send and Sent: Clear Examples

I sent the package yesterday.

Can you send me the prescriptions?

The boss has sent a reminder for the meeting.

Please send me the guest list for tonight's party.

The school sent an invite last week.

After reaching the campsite, they will send a message.

The detective tried to send the signal to Mr Roy.

Where is the confusion?

Be honest in revealing how often you have felt unsure or confused about using "send" or "sent" while writing a sentence. I remember getting corrected by my teacher’s umpteen times, but the confusion about using the correct verb form for "Send" continued for a very long time. My journey of learning began by mixing up "Sent", "Send", and sometimes invented "Sended". The mix-ups and mistakes ensured that I never scored good marks in school. The usage of correct grammar helps communicate correctly and accurately, especially in daily interactions.

Let's simplify the process and understand the difference between "send" and "sent" so that we use it correctly. 

The difference between Send and Sent

The verbs "Send" and "Sent" may sound similar, but both terms have different meanings, uses and functions. The word "Send" is a verb that means to dispatch something (object, message, email, etc) from one place to another.

Send - It's an irregular verb or base verb and is used in present tense, future tense (will send) or as infinitive (to send).

Send is used for active action – dispatching, transmitting, delivering, etc, from point A to point B.

Present Tense- I send flowers to my parents daily. (Present action)

Future Tense- I will send the package tomorrow. (Future action)

Infinitive- I have decided to send John for a trek. 

Sent is used in past tense sentences. When we use sent in a sentence, it means the action has already completed in the past. It means something that has been sent or already done in the past in a given time frame. In passive-voice sentences, we can use "Sent" and sometimes with adverbs.

Simple Past – I sent the notice yesterday.

Past perfect – He has sent the notice yesterday.

Understand the usage of Sent

So "Send" is an irregular verb. That is the reason we do not add "d" or "ed", and “Send" becomes "Sent".

When we use "Sent", it denotes an action/task is completed.

Example: "I sent the email yesterday".

In past perfect tense sentences, we add auxiliary verbs like "have, has and had" to show that an action finished at some specified time before now.

Has Sent

Has sent is used with third person singular subject (he, she, it) except "they".

Example: She has sent a dress.

Example: He has sent a bouquet.

Have Sent

Have sent is used in the first person with I and We (singular and plural subjects). The rule also applies to the second person (with both singular and plural subject – You) and even to the third person (with singular subject- They).

Example: They have sent a thank you note.

Example: I have sent my new address to my parents.

Had Sent

Had sent means a task is completed before another past action.

Example: Before we arrived, he had sent the car for pick up.

Example: I had sent my application before the college admission closed.

There are many irregular verbs like "Send" that don't require "d" or "ed" when changing to past tense or past participle.

More Verbs like - Send and Sent

There are many irregular verbs like "Send" that don't require "d" or "ed" when changing to past tense or past participle.

Irregular Verbs

Examples of Send

I send meeting reminders every day.

Mr Roy sends his love and best wishes to you.

John sends a New Year postcard every year.

Please send me the report now.

Always send a gratitude note after the party.

Send a message for meeting confirmation.

They send flowers using apps these days.

We can only send the package.

He needs to send a notification.

Ms Cummins decided to send her a birthday cake.

Examples of Sent

She already sent the report to the doctor yesterday.

We sent the invites to all the guests on Monday.

The company sent you a welcome package yesterday.

I sent the files two days back.

The teacher sent the children outside during break time.

She sent a big hug and regards.

I personally sent the message yesterday. 

They sent flowers to the patients.

We sent chocolates and chips to children in the hospital.

I sent my resume to the Infosys.

Few Synonyms for Send

To Dispatch or Deliver

Forward, Transmit, Deliver, Ship, Convey, Dispatch, Mail

To Cause to Go or Move

Route, Direct, Transfer, Channel

To Cause Someone to Go Somewhere

Refer, Deploy, Delegate, Assign

To Emit or Cause to Happen

Trigger, Produce, Release, Reduce

Quick tips to remember

Present - Action happening now or will happen in future, we use "Send".

Ex- I will send the notes tomorrow.

Past - Action already completed, we use "Sent".

Ex- I sent the notes yesterday.

Perfect Tense - With have, has, had, we use "Sent".

Ex- He has sent the mail.

Ex- I have sent the mail.

Always remember "Sent" is a finished action/ done/ completed.

Ex- The notice was sent two days back.

When asking a question, use –"Send".

Ex – Do your grandparents always send New Year cards?

Ex- Does he send timely reminders?

Another quick way to remember

SEND –   Starting Letter "S" – Now or in future.

SENT – End letter "T" – Action is completed.

If using a passive voice, use "Sent".

Ex- The parcel was sent yesterday.

Try Your luck with "Send" or "Sent"

A. Have you ________ the book?

B. He will _______ the design for review tomorrow.

C. She _________ notes every day.

D. The greetings were __________ to all the helpers.

E. I already ______ the box to the client.

Answers:

A. Sent B. Send C. Sends D. Sent E. Sent

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