sent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A2 (High frequency)Neutral; common in all registers.
Quick answer
What does “sent” mean?
The past tense and past participle of the verb 'send': to cause to go or be taken to a destination.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The past tense and past participle of the verb 'send': to cause to go or be taken to a destination.
Can describe being emotionally moved or affected (e.g., 'I was sent by the music'). Informally, can mean being excited or impressed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The informal use ('That song sent me!') is slightly more prevalent in American informal speech.
Connotations
Neutral for the verb. The informal use connotes strong, positive emotional reaction.
Frequency
Extremely high and identical frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “sent” in a Sentence
[Subject] sent [Object] to [Recipient/Place][Subject] sent [Recipient] [Object][Subject] sent [Object] [Adverbial of direction]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sent” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I sent the parcel first class on Tuesday.
- She was sent to the headteacher's office.
- Have you sent the report off yet?
American English
- I sent the package priority mail on Tuesday.
- He was sent to the principal's office.
- Did you send the report out yet?
adverb
British English
- (Standard adverbial use is rare; 'sent' is not an adverb.)
American English
- (Standard adverbial use is rare; 'sent' is not an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- The sent items are logged here. (formal/technical)
- He was a man sent from God. (literary)
American English
- All sent messages are archived. (technical)
- She felt like someone sent to save him. (literary)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in correspondence and logistics (e.g., 'The invoice was sent yesterday.').
Academic
Used in reporting communication (e.g., 'The survey was sent to 500 participants.').
Everyday
Ubiquitous for all forms of communication and posting items.
Technical
Used in computing/data transmission (e.g., 'The packet was sent to the server.').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sent”
- Using 'sended' (incorrect) instead of 'sent'.
- Using 'sent' without an object when one is needed (e.g., 'I sent to him' instead of 'I sent it to him').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but it is also the past participle ('I have sent it') and can be used in participial adjectives ('sent messages').
Using the non-existent form 'sended'. The correct forms are send (present), sent (past), sent (past participle).
Yes. 'I sent it' (simple past) focuses on the past action. 'I have sent it' (present perfect) connects the past action to the present, often implying 'so you should have it now' or 'it's done'.
Rarely. It is usually a transitive verb requiring an object (what was sent) or at least an implied one. Intransitive use is mostly in fixed phrases (e.g., 'He sent for help').
The past tense and past participle of the verb 'send': to cause to go or be taken to a destination.
Sent is usually neutral; common in all registers. in register.
Sent: in British English it is pronounced /sɛnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɛnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sent packing (dismissed)”
- “sent to Coventry (ostracized - BrE)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sent' as the past of 'send' – both end with 'end'.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS SENDING (e.g., 'send a message', 'send love').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'sent' CORRECTLY?