The verb to spread · Conjugation
Past Simple of spread
The answer: spread
A2
A finished action at a definite time in the past.
Quick answer
The Past Simple of the verb to spread is spread.
Example: The fire spread quickly.
Full conjugation in the Past Simple
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| I | spread |
| You | spread |
| He / She / It | spread |
| We | spread |
| You (pl.) | spread |
| They | spread |
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Three forms that are the same
Spread → spread → spread. The family of verbs that never change: cost, cut, hit, hurt, let, put, set, shut, spread. Never say spreaded.
2. Spread is also a noun
A spread is a soft food for bread: chocolate spread. It is also the movement of something into more places: the spread of fake news.
3. Figurative meaning: spread the word
Spread the word means to tell many people about something. It is a very common expression: The party is on Saturday, so spread the word!
Practice quiz
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Frequently asked questions
What is the past tense of spread?+
The Past Simple of spread is spread, the same as the base form. The past participle is also spread. The three forms are the same.
Is spreaded correct?+
No. Spread is irregular and never changes. It is in the same family as cost, cut, hit, hurt, let, put, set and shut. The news spread quickly.
How do you know if spread is present or past?+
Look at the subject and the time words. Present: I spread, he spreads (with -s). Past: I spread, he spread (no -s), often with a time word like yesterday.
What does spread mean in English?+
Spread has several meanings about covering a bigger area. 1. To put a thin layer: spread butter. 2. To tell many people: spread rumours. 3. To move into more places: The disease spread. 4. To open wide: spread your wings.
Can spread be a noun?+
Yes! A spread is: 1. a soft food for bread (a chocolate spread); 2. the movement of something into more places (the spread of a disease); 3. two pages side by side in a magazine (a magazine spread).
Related pages: spread 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/spread/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.
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More forms of the verb to spread are coming soon.