Spilled vs Spilt
What’s the difference between them?
Spilled
Meaning:
spilled is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'spill,' which means to unintentionally cause a liquid or other substance to flow out of a container.
Examples:
1. She spilled coffee on her shirt.
2. The paint spilled on the floor.
3. I accidentally spilled my soda.
Spilt
Meaning:
British English spelling of spilled.
Examples:
1. I spilt coffee all over my shirt this morning.
2. The spilt milk pooled on the floor.
3. I accidentally spilt my drink on the counter.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Spilled
1. Poured
2. Divulged
3. Disclosed
4. Made known
5. Let out
1. Contained
2. Kept
3. Retained
4. Capped
5. Sealed off
Spilt
1. Dispersed
2. Divided
3. Scattered
4. Separated
5. Parted ways
1. Gather
2. Hold Together
3. Unify
4. Seal
5. Unscattered
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Spilled", "Spilt".
1. American English often favors more streamlined or simplified spellings, which is why "spilled" is preferred in the U.S.
2. British English retains more traditional forms in some cases, hence "spilt" being more common in the UK.
3. Remember that both forms are correct, and the choice largely depends on the regional dialect or preference of the audience.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
The first word, 'spilled,' should be used when describing an action of accidentally causing a liquid or other substance to flow out of a container. This is the past tense and past participle of the verb, 'spill.'
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The second word, 'spilt,' is the British English spelling of 'spilled.' This should be used when writing in British English, or when speaking in a British English dialect.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
Yes, the two words share the same pronunciation, with both being pronounced as /spilt/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
Some common mistakes people make when using these words include mixing up the spelling or using the wrong spelling depending on the context. For example, using 'spilt' when writing in American English, or using 'spilled' when writing in British English. Additionally, it is not uncommon for people to incorrectly use 'spilt' as the past tense of 'spill,' when the correct past tense is actually 'spilled.'
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. She accidentally __________ her coffee on the table while reaching for her phone.
2. Please be careful not to __________ any paint on the carpet while youre working on your art project.
3. He __________ milk all over the kitchen floor, making a mess that needed cleaning up.
4. Sarah had __________ some of the sugar while making her morning tea.
5. John __________ his drink on the computer keyboard, and now its not working.
6. The kids __________ their toys all over the living room floor.
1. She accidentally spilled her coffee on the table while reaching for her phone.
Explanation: In this sentence, spilled is the correct American spelling, indicating the unintentional act of causing a liquid to flow out of a container.
2. Please be careful not to spill any paint on the carpet while youre working on your art project.
Explanation: Both spill and spilt are correct in this context, as the sentence doesnt provide a clear clue for British or American spelling.
3. He spilled milk all over the kitchen floor, making a mess that needed cleaning up.
Explanation: In this sentence, spilled is the correct American spelling, indicating the unintentional act of causing a liquid to flow out of a container.
4. Sarah had spilt some of the sugar while making her morning tea.
Explanation: Spilt is the British spelling of the past tense and past participle of spill.
5. John spilled his drink on the computer keyboard, and now its not working.
Explanation: In this sentence, spilled is the correct American spelling, indicating the unintentional act of causing a liquid to flow out of a container.
6. The kids spilled their toys all over the living room floor.
Explanation: Both spill and spilt are correct in this context, as the sentence doesnt provide a clear clue for British or American spelling.
Get a gift by subscribing to our newsletter!
Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.