Spit Past Tense: What Is The Past Form Of Spit

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The Past Form of Spit

Spit, a word that evokes images of saliva flying through the air, has a rather fascinating past form. In this article, we'll delve into the world of linguistics and explore the past tense of spit, including its spelling, pronunciation, and usage.

The Past Tense of Spit

The past tense of spit is "spat". This is the verb form used to describe the act of spitting in the past. For example:

• I spat out the food that tasted bad. (Here, "spat" is the past tense of spit, indicating that the action of spitting occurred in the past.)
• She spat on the floor. (In this example, "spat" is used to describe the past action of spitting.)

The Past Participle of Spit

The past participle of spit is "spat" or "spitten". While both forms are acceptable, "spat" is more commonly used in modern English. For instance:

• I had spat out the food before I realized it was poisonous. (Here, "had spat" is the past perfect tense of spit, indicating that the action of spitting occurred before another action in the past.)
• The dog had been spat at by the other dog. (In this example, "had been spat" is the past perfect passive tense of spit.)

The Present Participle of Spit

The present participle of spit is "spitting". This verb form is used to describe the act of spitting that is currently happening or ongoing. For example:

• He is spitting out the words in anger. (Here, "spitting" is the present participle of spit, indicating that the action of spitting is currently happening.)
• The camel is spitting at the tourists. (In this example, "spitting" is used to describe the ongoing action of spitting.)

Spit, Spat, Spat, or Spitten?

When it comes to the past tense of spit, the choice between "spat" and "spitten" can be confusing. However, the general rule of thumb is to use "spat" for the simple past tense and "spitten" for the past participle. For instance:

• I spat out the food. (Simple past tense: "spat")
• I had spitten out the food before I realized it was poisonous. (Past participle: "spitten")

Conclusion

In conclusion, the past form of spit is "spat" or "spitten", depending on the context and verb tense. While both forms are acceptable, "spat" is more commonly used in modern English. By understanding the past tense of spit, you'll be able to communicate more effectively and accurately in your everyday conversations.

Gallery of Spit

FAQs

We hope this article has helped you understand the past form of spit. If you have any further questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out.