What's the past tense of "spell"?
Spelt and spelled are both correct past tense forms of spell (the verb). To spell describes the act of writing or saying the letters of a word out loud, in the correct order.
- US English prefers spelled; i.e., the regular verb form ending in –ed.
- UK English uses spelled and spelt as past tense and past participle forms interchangeably.
Definition of spell
The word spell describes the act of writing or saying the letters of a word out loud, in the correct order. As a homophone, spell also has another meaning: as a noun, a spell is "a spoken word or form of words held to have magic power." Anyone familiar with the Harry Potter series knows that wizards and witches cast spells. Spelt is also a noun referring to an ancient and hulled type of wheat.
- The past tense of spell is spelled or spelt.
- The past participle of spell is spelled or spelt.
Verb forms of 'spell'
Is "spell" a regular or irregular verb?
The verb spell is irregular in British English but regular in American English. In UK English, the past forms are spelled and spelt, while US English uses only spelled. This dual form pattern is common in English verbs where regional preferences differ.
When to use "spelled" vs. "spelt"
She spelled her name correctly on the form. (US/UK)
I've spelt this word wrong for years. (UK)
US English consistently uses spelled for both past tense and present or past perfect), it requires an auxiliary verb like have, has, or had.
Similar irregular verbs
Sentence examples: spell, spelled, spelt
• How do you spell your last name?
• She always spells difficult words correctly.
• Can you spell that word for me?
• The child spelt the word for the teacher. (UK)
• Is 'necessary' spelled with one 's', or two? (US)
• He spelled his name wrong on the form.
• She's always spelt her name like that. (UK)
• I have spelled this word wrong for years. (US)
• The word was spelled incorrectly in the document.
Synonyms & nearby words
Synonyms for spell
Nearby phrases
Common phrases with "spell"
to be under someone's spell
death by spell check
you can't spell (something) without (something else)
I spell trouble
a dry spell
spell disaster
do I have to spell it out for you?
a cold spell
to cast a spell
come in and sit a spell
Origin of the word, spell
Old English spellian meaning "to tell, speak, discourse, talk," from Proto-Germanic *spellam (source also of Old High German spellon "to tell," Old Norse spjalla "to talk"). The sense of "write or say the letters of a word" dates from early 15th century.
Practice: “Spell” conjugations
FAQs
What is the past tense of "spell"?
Is "spelt" or "spelled" correct?
When should I use "spelt" in writing?
What's the difference in usage between "spelt" and "spelled"?
Are "spelt" and "spelled" past participles?
Sources
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"Spell, v." Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. Accessed October 15, 2025.
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Harper, Douglas. "Spell (v.)." Etymology Online. Accessed October 15, 2025.
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