Conjugation of "Spell" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
To write or name letters of a word in order.
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All 12 Tenses of "Spell"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "spell" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I spell |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I spelt/spelled |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will spell |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am spelling |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was spelling |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be spelling |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have spelt/spelled |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had spelt/spelled |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have spelt/spelled |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been spelling |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been spelling |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been spelling |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Spell" — Spelled
The past simple of "spell" is "spelled" — formed by adding "-ed". Use it for actions that were completed at a specific time in the past, such as "yesterday", "last week", or "in 2020". For the full grammar of this tense, see our simple past tense guide.
- She spelled the difficult word correctly on the test. B1
Past Participle of "Spell" — Spelled
The past participle of "spell" is "spelled" — the same form as the past simple, since "spell" is a regular verb. Use it after "have/has/had" for perfect tenses ("I have spelled") and after "be" for passive voice ("It was spelled").
- She spelled the difficult word correctly on the test. B1
Is "Spell" Regular or Irregular?
"Spell" is a regular English verb. Its past simple and past participle are both formed by adding "-ed" to give "spelled". The 3rd-person singular present is "spells" and the gerund/present participle is "spelling".
Conjugation pattern: regular
How to Pronounce "Spell" and Its Forms
Spell: /spɛl/ — Stress pattern: O
Short 'e' sound; rhymes with 'bell' and 'tell'.
How to Use "Spell" — Common Grammar Patterns
Use 'spell out' when emphasizing each letter or meaning.
Example Sentences with "Spell" in Different Tenses
- Simple Present: Can you spell your name for me? A1
- Simple Past: She spelled the difficult word correctly on the test. B1
Common Collocations with "Spell"
- spell out
- spell a word
- spell correctly
- spell the word
When to Use "Spell" vs Similar Verbs
Smart synonyms — when to use each one
- write — focus on writing letters on paper
- pronounce — saying letters aloud rather than writing
Common Mistakes with "Spell"
-
Wrong: She spell often.
Correct: She spells often.
Add "s" to the verb when the subject is third-person singular (he/she/it).
Origin and Etymology of "Spell"
From Old French espeler, from Frankish spel (to tell).
Other Forms of "Spell"
- Noun: spelling
Conjugation Tables for "Spell"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not spell · He does not spell
- Simple past: I did not spell · She did not spell
- Present perfect: I have not spelled · He has not spelled
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you spell? · Does he spell?
- Simple past: Did you spell?
- Present perfect: Have you spelled?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is spelled
- Simple past passive: It was spelled
- Present perfect passive: It has been spelled
Frequently Asked Questions About "Spell"
- Is "spell" regular or irregular?
- "spell" is a regular verb. Add -ed for past simple and past participle: "spelt/spelled".
- What is the past tense of "spell"?
- The simple past of "spell" is "spelt/spelled".
- When do I use simple present vs present continuous with "spell"?
- Use simple present for habits, facts, and routines: "I spell every day." Use present continuous for actions happening right now: "I am spelling right now."