The verb to spell · Conjugation
Past Simple of spell
The answer: spelled (US) / spelt (UK)
A2
A finished action at a definite time in the past.
Quick answer
The Past Simple of the verb to spell is spelled (US) / spelt (UK).
Example: She spelled her name twice.
Full conjugation in the Past Simple
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| I | spelled / spelt |
| You | spelled / spelt |
| He / She / It | spelled / spelt |
| We | spelled / spelt |
| You (pl.) | spelled / spelt |
| They | spelled / spelt |
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Spelled (US) and spelt (UK)
Both forms are correct. The US prefers spelled, and the UK prefers spelt. Other verbs have two forms too: learned / learnt, burned / burnt.
2. How write you it? ❌
How do you spell it? is a fixed question: learn it by heart. English needs do to make the question. Don't say How is writing? or How write you it?
3. Spell can also mean magic
A spell (noun) is a set of magic words. Cast a spell means to use magic. A hot spell is something different: a few very hot days.
Practice quiz
What's next?
Master the Past Simple of spell when you speak, not just on paper
The conjugation is clear in your head. On PLAY, you practise it in a game, with instant feedback, until it comes out on its own.
Practise the Past Simple of spell on PLAYFree · No sign-up · 3 minutes
For teachersYour whole class practises the Past Simple of spell, and you follow each student
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English contestThe English contest tests the Past Simple of spell in real sentences
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Frequently asked questions
What is the past tense of spell?+
There are two forms: spelled (more common in the US) and spelt (more common in the UK). The past participle is the same. Spell → spelled/spelt → spelled/spelt.
How do you ask how a word is spelled?+
Ask How do you spell it? (the most common way) or How is it spelled? / How is it spelt? To ask for someone's name: Can you spell your name? or Could you spell that, please?
Does spell mean a magic spell too?+
Yes! A spell (noun) is a set of magic words. To cast a spell means to use magic. Under a spell means controlled by magic. This magic meaning is different from the verb spell (to name the letters).
Is it didn't spell or didn't spelled?+
Say didn't spell: She didn't spell it correctly. After didn't, use the base form → spell.
What does spelling mean?+
Spelling has two meanings: (1) saying the letters of a word; (2) the correct way to write a word. A spelling mistake is a mistake in the letters of a word. A spelling bee is a spelling competition, a tradition in English-speaking countries.
Related pages: spell Past Simple
Pages on a similar topic or with a similar use, so you can keep exploring.
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/verbs/spell/past-simple
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.
Keep learning
More forms of the verb to spell are coming soon.