Talk:spit

American use of "spit" as past tense
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
 * 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)

had spit but has spat
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)

spitede
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)