Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

---

spell, spells, spelling, spelt

Synonyms: write out, formulate, indicate, signify, articulate

---

Antonyms: misspell, miswrite, misread, confuse, jumble

The Verb Spell – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb spell is an irregular verb (especially in British English) that means to write or name the letters that form a word in the correct order. Figuratively, it means to signify or lead to a particular result.


VERB FORMS


■ Base Form: spell
■ Past Simple: spelled or spelt
■ Past Participle: spelled or spelt
■ Present Participle/Gerund: spelling


USAGE AND CONTEXT


'Spell' is primarily about letters and words, but has a common figurative use.


1. Naming the Letters of a Word
This is its most common and literal meaning.


■ Orthography: 'How do you spell your name?'
■ Test: 'The teacher asked the students to spell ten difficult words.'


2. Signifying a Result (Figurative)
This usage means to imply or result in something, usually negative.


■ Consequence: 'The ongoing drought could spell disaster for local farmers.'
■ Implication: 'These new regulations spell trouble for small businesses.'


ℹ IMPORTANT: 'SPELLED' VS. 'SPELT'


The use of the two past tense forms is a major difference between American and British English.


■ Spelled: This is the standard form in American English. It is the only form typically used.
■ Spelt: This form is common in British English, alongside 'spelled.'
■ To sound most natural, use spelled in American English and either form in British English. For the figurative meaning ('spell trouble'), spelled is used in both dialects.