Talk:spit
Latest comment: 4 years ago by Backinstadiums in topic spitede
American use of "spit" as past tense
[edit]Isn't it fairly widespread in the USA to use "spit" as the past tense? And if so, shouldn't that usage be added (with its regionally specificity noted)?--Tyranny Sue 12:32, 5 April 2009 (UTC)
- I think you are right. I'll confirm at OneLook. DCDuring TALK 18:01, 5 April 2009 (UTC)
- Yes, in the U.S. we say "he spit on the floor", not "spat". Spat is possible as well, but sounds very formal and erudite. —Stephen 19:10, 5 April 2009 (UTC)
- Anyone know what Canadians say? (I feel like I can account for the other major native English-speaking regions, i.e. the UK and Australia/New Zealand.)
- Canadians, at least in south Ontario say either. I'd say maybe even 50-50 — This comment was unsigned.
- At COCA (US) it looks like close to a 50:50 split for past participle and more use of spat for the simple past. DCDuring TALK 04:00, 24 December 2014 (UTC)
- Canadians, at least in south Ontario say either. I'd say maybe even 50-50 — This comment was unsigned.
had spit but has spat
[edit]According to Garner's fourth edition, the forms had spit and has spat have predominated since 1800. --Backinstadiums (talk) 18:01, 15 December 2019 (UTC)
The past tense of spit, now spat, was once spitede ; that of wear, now wore, was once werede --Backinstadiums (talk) 09:57, 14 October 2020 (UTC)