What is spend? Pronunciation and usage in English

spend means . Learn how to pronounce and use spend through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of spend

spendverb

/spɛnd/
Definition & pronunciation of spend

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "spend" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The General Pronunciation (American English):

  • SPEND (rhymes with "friend")
    • "Sp" – Sounds like "sp" in "split"
    • "e" – Short "e" like in "bed"
    • "n" – "n" as in "nap"
    • "d" – "d" as in "dog"

The General Pronunciation (British English):

  • SPEN (rhymes with "pen")
    • "Sp" – Sounds like "sp" in "split"
    • "e" – Short "e" like in "bed"
    • "n" – "n" as in "nap"

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("SPEN" or "SPEND").
  • Don't over-extend the "e": It’s a short, quick "e" sound, not a long “eh” sound.
  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it said correctly. Here are some resources:

Resources to Practice:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Which English dialect are you most interested in learning? (American, British, Australian, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word spend in English

Let's break down how to use the word "spend" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and ways to use it. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Basic Meaning: To Use Money

  • Most Common Usage: "Spend" primarily means to use money on something.

    • Example: “I spent $20 on groceries.” (You used 20 dollars on groceries.)
    • Example: “We spent our vacation in Italy.” (We used our vacation time and money in Italy.)
    • Structure: spend + money + on + object/activity

2. Spending Time

  • Spending Time: "Spend" can also mean to use time doing something.

    • Example: “I like to spend my evenings reading.” (I use my evenings reading.)
    • Example: “She spent an hour talking to her friend.” (She used an hour talking to her friend.)
    • Structure: spend + time + doing + activity

3. Phrases and Idioms with "Spend"

  • Spend a fortune: To spend a large amount of money.

    • Example: "They spent a fortune on their wedding."

  • Spend time (doing) something: Emphasizes the activity.

    • Example: "I spent the whole day spending time with my family."

  • Spend (time) on something: Focuses on the allocation of time.

    • Example: "He spent time on improving his skills."

  • Spend (money) on something: Clear and direct.

    • Example: "They spent money on a new car."

  • Spend and save: To balance spending and saving money.

    • Example: "It's important to spend and save wisely."

  • Spend a penny: (British English) To spend a tiny amount of money.

    • Example: "Don't spend a penny on that silly toy!"

4. Verb Forms of "Spend"

  • Base Form: spend (e.g., I spend)
  • Past Simple: spent (e.g., I spent)
  • Past Participle: spent (used with auxiliary verbs like "have," "had," "was," "were") (e.g., I have spent)
  • Present Participle/Gerund: spending (e.g., I am spending)

5. Examples Combining Different Uses

  • "I spent the whole day spending time with my grandkids." (Both money and time)
  • "He spent a lot of money on a new computer." (Money)
  • "She spent her weekend spending time outdoors." (Time)

Tips for Using "Spend" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand whether you’re talking about money or time.
  • Be specific: Use "on" to clarify what you're spending the money on.
  • Vary your phrasing: Don't always use "spend" – consider phrases like "use" or “allocate.” (Though "use" can also mean employ).

Could you tell me:

  • Are you looking for a specific example of how to use "spend" in a sentence?
  • Are there any particular situations you’d like to know how to use “spend” in? (e.g., writing a story, talking about your budget, etc.)

Synonyms for the word spend

Idioms of the word spend

spend the night with somebody
to stay with somebody for a night
  • My daughter's spending the night with a friend.
to stay with somebody for a night and have sex with them
    spend a penny
    (old-fashioned, British English)people say ‘spend a penny’ to avoid saying ‘use the toilet’

      Practice with vocabulary spend

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. Many companies ______ a significant portion of their annual budget on research and development.
      2. He had to ______ a difficult decision about his career path after the merger.
      3. We need to ______ more time analyzing market trends to ensure our strategies are effective.
      4. The team decided to ______ its resources efficiently to meet the tight deadline.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

      1. The project manager had to ______ a considerable amount of time explaining the new protocol to the team. a) devote b) allocate c) spend d) dedicate

      2. Our department usually ______ a large sum on professional development workshops each quarter. a) invests b) consumes c) spends d) deploys

      3. Before signing the contract, you should ______ all the clauses carefully. a) review b) peruse c) observe d) spend

      4. It's crucial to ______ our energy wisely on tasks that contribute directly to the project's success. a) expend b) direct c) spend d) utilize

      5. To complete the assignment on time, students must ______ their effort effectively. a) manage b) channel c) apply d) waste

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The company used all its financial resources to upgrade the infrastructure. (Rewrite using "spend")

      2. Many people believe it's important to dedicate time to continuous learning. (Rewrite using "spend")

      3. Employees are advised to make efficient use of their working hours. (Rewrite without using "spend")

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. spend
      2. make
      3. spend
      4. allocate

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. a) devote, b) allocate, c) spend, d) dedicate
      2. a) invests, c) spends
      3. a) review, b) peruse
      4. a) expend, b) direct, c) spend, d) utilize
      5. a) manage, b) channel, c) apply

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The company spent all its financial resources on upgrading the infrastructure.
      2. Many people believe it's important to spend time on continuous learning.
      3. Employees are advised to utilize their working hours efficiently.

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