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B1 Verb #44 most common 10 min read

sends

Top 44

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips sends in 30 Seconds

Explanation sends in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'sends' is introduced as a basic action verb used to describe daily routines and simple interactions. Learners at this stage focus on the most literal meanings, such as sending a message or a letter. The primary goal is to understand that 'sends' is the form used when talking about another person (he, she) or a single thing (the computer). For example, 'He sends a text' or 'She sends a card.' The concept is often taught alongside vocabulary for communication, like 'email', 'letter', and 'message'. A1 learners practice using 'sends' to describe what people do on their phones or computers. The focus is on simple sentence structures: Subject + Verb + Object. At this level, we avoid complex phrasal verbs and stick to clear, direct examples of physical or digital delivery. The emphasis is on recognizing the '-s' ending as a marker for the third person singular, which is a key grammatical milestone for beginners. By the end of A1, a student should be able to describe simple actions involving the dispatch of information or objects in the present tense.

At the A2 level, the use of 'sends' expands to include more varied subjects and objects. Learners begin to use 'sends' in the context of services and social obligations. For instance, 'The school sends a newsletter' or 'My mom sends me money every month.' The introduction of the indirect object (sends someone something) becomes more common. A2 students learn to differentiate between 'sends' and other related verbs like 'gives' or 'brings'. They also start to encounter 'sends' in simple phrasal verbs like 'sends back' (returning something to a shop). The vocabulary surrounding 'sends' becomes more diverse, including items like 'packages', 'invitations', and 'reminders'. Learners are expected to use 'sends' correctly in the present simple to describe habitual actions or general truths. They also begin to form negative sentences and questions, such as 'Does he send you emails?' or 'The bank doesn't send letters anymore.' This level builds the foundation for more abstract uses by solidifying the mechanics of the verb in everyday scenarios.

At the B1 level, 'sends' is used with more confidence in professional and social contexts. This is the level where the word 'sends' is officially categorized for this entry. B1 learners use 'sends' to describe processes and more complex interactions. For example, 'The system sends an automatic reply' or 'The manager sends a weekly update to the team.' The use of 'sends' in metaphorical or idiomatic ways begins to appear, such as 'sends a message' (meaning to signal an intention). B1 students are expected to handle the word in various sentence patterns, including those with 'to' and those without. They also learn to use 'sends' in the context of cause and effect, such as 'The news sends shockwaves through the community.' The focus shifts from just 'who' is sending 'what' to 'why' and 'how' things are being sent. Learners at this stage can discuss the implications of sending something, like the privacy of sending data or the cost of sending freight. Their ability to use 'sends' correctly in a variety of formal and informal registers is a hallmark of this intermediate stage.

At the B2 level, 'sends' is used in more sophisticated and abstract ways. Learners understand that 'sends' can describe the transmission of signals, emotions, and complex data. They might use it in scientific or technical descriptions, such as 'The brain sends electrical impulses to the limbs.' B2 students are comfortable with a wider range of phrasal verbs like 'sends out', 'sends for', and 'sends off', and they understand the nuances between them. They can also use 'sends' in more complex grammatical structures, such as passive constructions or within relative clauses: 'The signal that the tower sends is very weak.' The word is often used to describe the impact of an action, such as 'The decision sends a clear signal to investors.' At this level, learners can use 'sends' to discuss topics like media influence, biological processes, and economic trends. They are also more aware of the stylistic choices between 'sends' and its more formal synonyms like 'dispatches' or 'conveys', choosing the word that best fits the tone of their writing or speech.

At the C1 level, the use of 'sends' becomes highly nuanced and often metaphorical. C1 learners use the word to describe subtle social cues and complex systemic functions. They might say, 'Her silence sends a powerful message of disapproval,' or 'The policy sends a ripple effect through the entire industry.' The word is used to analyze literature, politics, and social behavior. C1 students understand the idiomatic depth of the word, such as 'sends someone into a tailspin' or 'sends someone packing.' They can use 'sends' to describe the transmission of abstract concepts like 'hope', 'fear', or 'authority'. The focus is on precision and the ability to use 'sends' to create specific rhetorical effects. In academic writing, a C1 student might use 'sends' to describe the movement of variables in a model or the communication of ideas between historical figures. The word is no longer just about mail or messages; it is a tool for describing the flow of influence and the dynamics of cause and effect in complex systems.

At the C2 level, mastery of 'sends' involves using it with complete naturalness and literary flair. A C2 speaker or writer can use 'sends' in highly creative and evocative ways, such as 'The setting sun sends long, golden fingers across the valley.' They are aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word and can use it to evoke specific moods or tones. C2 learners can navigate the most obscure idioms and phrasal uses with ease. They understand how 'sends' functions in different dialects and specialized fields, from legal jargon to poetic expression. At this level, the word is used to describe the most delicate of transmissions—the 'sending' of a look, a vibe, or a subtle subtext in a conversation. C2 proficiency means being able to use 'sends' to explain the most complex phenomena, whether it's the way a black hole sends out X-rays or the way a political movement sends a tremor through the status quo. The word becomes a versatile instrument in a vast linguistic orchestra, used with precision, variety, and a deep understanding of its impact on the listener or reader.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sends in 30 Seconds

The word 'sends' is the third-person singular present form of 'send', used for subjects like he, she, or it.
It describes the act of dispatching messages, packages, or signals from one point to another destination.
Commonly used in digital contexts for emails and texts, as well as in physical logistics for shipping goods.
It also appears in many idioms and phrasal verbs, such as 'sends for' or 'sends a message'.

The word sends is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'send'. At its core, it describes the action of causing something to be conveyed, transmitted, or delivered to a specific destination or recipient. In our modern, hyper-connected world, this word is most frequently associated with digital communication. When you click a button on your smartphone or computer, the device sends data across the internet. However, the scope of the word extends far beyond the digital realm. It encompasses the physical act of mailing a parcel, the biological process of a brain transmitting signals to muscles, and even the emotional impact of a powerful experience. For instance, a beautiful piece of music often sends shivers down one's spine, illustrating how the word can describe the movement of sensations or reactions.

Digital Context: In the realm of technology, 'sends' is the standard term for dispatching emails, text messages, or notifications. It implies a completed action of departure from the source.
Physical Logistics: When a company dispatches a product to a customer, the system records that the warehouse 'sends' the package. This involves physical movement through a postal or courier service.
Human Interaction: People 'send' regards, love, or warnings. In these cases, 'sends' refers to the communication of an abstract feeling or intent from one person to another.

Understanding the nuances of 'sends' requires recognizing that it always involves three components: an agent (the one who initiates), an object (the thing being moved), and a destination (where it is going). Without these three, the action is incomplete. In professional settings, 'sends' is a word of accountability. When a manager sends a directive, it carries the weight of authority. In casual settings, it is a word of connection. When a friend sends a meme, it reinforces a social bond. The word is ubiquitous because the act of transmission is fundamental to human existence and societal function. From the sun that sends light to the Earth to the nerve that sends a pain signal to the brain, the verb is essential for describing the flow of energy, information, and matter.

The automated system sends a confirmation email immediately after every purchase is completed.

She sends her children to a private school in the city to ensure they receive a high-quality education.

The lighthouse sends a powerful beam of light across the dark ocean to guide the ships safely to the harbor.

Every morning, the editor sends out a newsletter containing the most important headlines of the day.

The captain sends a distress signal when the vessel encounters mechanical failure in the middle of the storm.

Using 'sends' correctly involves mastering the third-person singular agreement in the present simple tense. This is a foundational aspect of English grammar that often requires conscious effort for learners. The structure typically follows the pattern: [Subject] + sends + [Direct Object] + [Prepositional Phrase/Recipient]. For example, 'The company sends invoices to clients.' Here, 'The company' is the singular subject, 'sends' is the verb, 'invoices' is the object, and 'to clients' indicates the destination. It is important to note that 'sends' can also be followed by two objects: 'He sends her flowers.' In this double-object construction, 'her' is the indirect object and 'flowers' is the direct object. This flexibility allows for concise and natural-sounding sentences in both formal and informal contexts.

Direct Object + To: Example: 'She sends a letter to her grandmother.' This is the most common and clear way to structure the sentence.
Indirect Object + Direct Object: Example: 'The boss sends him an email.' This structure is more direct and frequently used in conversation.
Phrasal Verbs: Example: 'The teacher sends out the homework.' Using 'out' implies distribution to a group of people.

Beyond simple physical or digital delivery, 'sends' is used in various idiomatic and phrasal constructions. 'Sends for' means to request someone to come, as in 'The king sends for his advisor.' 'Sends back' refers to returning something, like when a customer sends back a meal at a restaurant. 'Sends off' can mean to dispatch a letter or to expel a player from a sports match. Each of these variations maintains the core concept of movement or transmission but adds a specific nuance that changes the meaning of the interaction. When writing, consider the formality of the situation. While 'sends' is neutral, synonyms like 'dispatches' or 'transmits' might be more appropriate in technical or highly formal documents. However, for 90% of daily communication, 'sends' is the most effective and natural choice.

The satellite sends high-resolution images of the Earth's surface back to the research station every hour.

A cold front sends temperatures plummeting across the northern states during the late autumn months.

The referee sends the player off the field after a particularly dangerous and illegal tackle.

In the modern era, you are most likely to encounter 'sends' in the context of office culture and digital lifestyle. It is the language of the inbox and the instant message. In an office, you might hear a colleague say, 'The system automatically sends a notification when the report is ready.' In a social setting, a friend might mention, 'My brother always sends the funniest TikToks in our group chat.' This word is the heartbeat of information exchange. It is also prevalent in news reporting, especially concerning international relations or environmental changes. News anchors might report that 'The government sends humanitarian aid to the disaster zone' or 'The volcano sends a massive plume of ash into the atmosphere.' These examples show the word's versatility in describing both helpful human actions and powerful natural phenomena.

Workplace: 'The HR department sends out the payroll information on the last Friday of every month.'
Social Media: 'Instagram sends a push notification whenever someone likes your photo or leaves a comment.'
Science & Nature: 'The heart sends oxygenated blood to all the vital organs to maintain life and function.'

You will also hear 'sends' in sports commentary and entertainment. A commentator might say, 'The quarterback sends a long pass down the field,' or 'The striker sends the ball into the top corner of the net.' In movies, a character might dramatically state, 'He sends his regards,' which is often a coded way of delivering a threat or a final message. The word is also common in song lyrics, often used metaphorically to describe emotional states. A singer might complain that a lover 'sends mixed signals,' a phrase that perfectly captures the confusion of unclear communication. Whether it is a literal package, a digital bit of data, or a metaphorical message, 'sends' is the verb that describes the movement from 'here' to 'there'.

The local radio station sends its signal across the entire valley, reaching thousands of listeners every day.

My smart thermostat sends an alert to my phone if the temperature in the house drops below fifty degrees.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 'sends' is failing to add the '-s' when the subject is third-person singular. Many students say 'He send an email' instead of 'He sends an email.' This is a basic subject-verb agreement error that can make speech sound unpolished. Another common error involves the misuse of prepositions. Some learners might say 'He sends to me a gift' instead of the correct 'He sends me a gift' or 'He sends a gift to me.' The word order is crucial. If you use 'to', it must come before the recipient, and the object must come before 'to'. If you don't use 'to', the recipient must come immediately after the verb.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Incorrect: 'The computer send the data.' Correct: 'The computer sends the data.'
Preposition Placement: Incorrect: 'She sends to him the report.' Correct: 'She sends him the report' or 'She sends the report to him.'
Confusing with 'Sent': Learners often confuse the present 'sends' with the past 'sent'. Remember: 'sends' is for habits or current facts; 'sent' is for the past.

Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'sends' with 'spends'. While they sound somewhat similar, 'sends' is about movement and 'spends' is about using resources like time or money. Another confusion arises with 'delivers'. While 'sends' focuses on the start of the journey (the dispatch), 'delivers' focuses on the end of the journey (the arrival). If a mailman is at your door, he 'delivers' the mail; he doesn't 'send' it to you at that moment. Finally, avoid using 'sends' when you mean 'brings' or 'takes'. 'Sends' implies that the person initiating the action does not travel with the object. If you are carrying a book to a friend, you 'take' it to them; you don't 'send' it unless you use a third party or a service.

Incorrect: He send me a message every day. Correct: He sends me a message every day.

While 'sends' is a versatile and common verb, English offers many alternatives that can provide more precision depending on the context. If you are talking about formal or official dispatching, 'dispatches' is an excellent choice. It suggests a level of organization and purpose. In the context of technology and electronics, 'transmits' is often more accurate, as it describes the movement of signals, waves, or data. If you are talking about passing along a message that you received from someone else, 'forwards' is the specific term used, especially in the context of emails and social media. Understanding these nuances helps you move from a basic level of English to a more sophisticated and professional level of communication.

Dispatches: Used for formal or official sending. Example: 'The police department dispatches officers to the scene of the accident.'
Transmits: Used for signals, data, or diseases. Example: 'The mosquito transmits the virus to humans through its bite.'
Forwards: Used for passing something on. Example: 'She forwards the email to her supervisor for further review.'
Mails/Posts: Used specifically for the postal system. Example: 'He mails a postcard to his parents from every city he visits.'

Other alternatives include 'ships' for commercial goods, 'broadcasts' for radio or television signals, and 'emits' for light, heat, or smells. For example, 'The sun emits radiation' is more scientific than 'The sun sends radiation.' Similarly, 'The company ships the order' is more specific than 'The company sends the order.' By choosing the right synonym, you can convey a clearer picture of the action. However, 'sends' remains the most useful 'umbrella' term that covers all these specific actions. When in doubt, 'sends' is almost always correct, but using its alternatives will make your writing more varied and precise.

The radio tower transmits signals to remote areas that otherwise would have no communication.

The logistics manager dispatches the fleet of delivery trucks at five o'clock every morning.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'send' is related to the word 'sense' in some distant linguistic theories, as both involve a 'direction' or a 'way' of perceiving or moving.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sendz/

US /sɛndz/

The stress is on the single syllable of the word.

Rhymes With

bends lends mends tends vends ends friends blends

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 's' as a sharp /s/ instead of a voiced /z/.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'sands' (/sændz/).
Dropping the 'd' sound, making it sound like 'sens'.
Adding an extra syllable, like 'send-es'.
Confusing it with 'spends' by adding a 'p' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very easy to recognize in text as a common verb.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to subject-verb agreement (the -s ending).

Speaking 3/5

The final /z/ sound can be tricky for some learners.

Listening 2/5

Clearly audible in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

send mail letter message to

Learn Next

received delivered forwarded dispatched transmitted

Advanced

consignment transmission correspondence logistics emanation

Grammar to Know

Third-Person Singular -s

He sends (not 'He send').

Ditransitive Verbs

She sends him (indirect) a letter (direct).

Present Simple for Habits

The sun sends light to Earth every day.

Phrasal Verb Word Order

He sends out the mail / He sends the mail out.

Negative with 'Does Not'

It does not send a signal.

Examples by Level

He sends a text message to his friend.

Il envoie un SMS à son ami.

Third-person singular 's' added to 'send'.

She sends an email every morning.

Elle envoie un e-mail chaque matin.

Present simple for a habitual action.

The boy sends a card to his mom.

Le garçon envoie une carte à sa maman.

Subject (The boy) is singular.

My dad sends me a photo of the dog.

Mon père m'envoie une photo du chien.

Indirect object 'me' comes before the direct object 'photo'.

The computer sends the file to the printer.

L'ordinateur envoie le fichier à l'imprimante.

Non-human singular subject 'The computer'.

He sends flowers for her birthday.

Il envoie des fleurs pour son anniversaire.

Verb 'sends' followed by a direct object.

She sends a letter to her pen pal.

Elle envoie une lettre à son correspondant.

Use of 'to' to indicate the recipient.

The teacher sends the homework to the students.

Le professeur envoie les devoirs aux élèves.

Singular subject 'The teacher'.

The shop sends a confirmation after you buy something.

Le magasin envoie une confirmation après votre achat.

Present simple for a general rule/process.

My brother sends me money for my birthday.

Mon frère m'envoie de l'argent pour mon anniversaire.

Double object construction: me (indirect), money (direct).

The company sends the package by mail.

L'entreprise envoie le colis par la poste.

Using 'by' to show the method of sending.

She sends back the shoes because they are too small.

Elle renvoie les chaussures parce qu'elles sont trop petites.

Phrasal verb 'sends back' means to return.

The doctor sends the patient to the hospital.

Le médecin envoie le patient à l'hôpital.

Sending a person to a place.

He sends a link to the video in the chat.

Il envoie un lien vers la vidéo dans le chat.

Modern digital context.

The app sends a notification when the food arrives.

L'application envoie une notification quand la nourriture arrive.

Automated action.

She sends her love to everyone in the family.

Elle envoie ses amitiés à tout le monde dans la famille.

Sending an abstract feeling.

The manager sends a weekly report to the director.

Le manager envoie un rapport hebdomadaire au directeur.

Professional context.

This remote control sends an infrared signal to the TV.

Cette télécommande envoie un signal infrarouge à la télévision.

Technical description.

The organization sends aid to countries in need.

L'organisation envoie de l'aide aux pays dans le besoin.

Humanitarian context.

He sends out the invitations two weeks before the party.

Il envoie les invitations deux semaines avant la fête.

Phrasal verb 'sends out' for distribution.

The bad news sends a wave of panic through the city.

La mauvaise nouvelle envoie une vague de panique à travers la ville.

Metaphorical use for emotional impact.

She sends for a taxi because it is raining heavily.

Elle fait venir un taxi parce qu'il pleut fort.

Phrasal verb 'sends for' means to request someone's presence.

The system sends an alert if it detects a security breach.

Le système envoie une alerte s'il détecte une faille de sécurité.

Conditional sentence structure.

He sends his regards to your parents.

Il transmet ses salutations à vos parents.

Formal social expression.

The lighthouse sends a beam of light to guide the ships.

Le phare envoie un faisceau de lumière pour guider les navires.

Descriptive use in a specific setting.

The brain sends signals to the muscles to make them move.

Le cerveau envoie des signaux aux muscles pour les faire bouger.

Biological process.

The government sends a clear message that crime will not be tolerated.

Le gouvernement envoie un message clair que le crime ne sera pas toléré.

Abstract 'message' as an object.

A sudden drop in stock prices sends investors into a frenzy.

Une chute soudaine des cours de la bourse plonge les investisseurs dans la frénésie.

Causal relationship with an emotional result.

The satellite sends data back to Earth for analysis.

Le satellite renvoie des données vers la Terre pour analyse.

Scientific context.

She sends her children to a summer camp every July.

Elle envoie ses enfants dans un camp d'été chaque juillet.

Habitual action involving people.

The referee sends the player off for a serious foul.

L'arbitre expulse le joueur pour une faute grave.

Sports-specific phrasal verb 'sends off'.

The volcano sends a plume of smoke into the sky.

Le volcan envoie un panache de fumée dans le ciel.

Natural phenomenon.

The author sends the protagonist on a journey of self-discovery.

L'auteur envoie le protagoniste dans un voyage de découverte de soi.

Literary analysis context.

The central bank sends a signal to the market by raising interest rates.

La banque centrale envoie un signal au marché en augmentant les taux d'intérêt.

Economic and symbolic usage.

Her behavior sends a ripple of discomfort through the room.

Son comportement provoque un malaise dans la pièce.

Describing subtle social dynamics.

The discovery of the ancient city sends shockwaves through the archaeological community.

La découverte de la cité antique provoque une onde de choc dans la communauté archéologique.

Idiomatic 'sends shockwaves'.

The sun sends out solar flares that can disrupt communications on Earth.

Le soleil émet des éruptions solaires qui peuvent perturber les communications sur Terre.

Scientific precision.

The judge sends the defendant to prison for ten years.

Le juge condamne le prévenu à dix ans de prison.

Legal context for sentencing.

The poem sends a message of hope to those who are suffering.

Le poème transmet un message d'espoir à ceux qui souffrent.

Abstract transmission of themes.

The company sends its best engineers to solve the technical crisis.

L'entreprise envoie ses meilleurs ingénieurs pour résoudre la crise technique.

Strategic deployment of resources.

The haunting melody sends a chill down my spine every time I hear it.

La mélodie obsédante me donne des frissons à chaque fois que je l'entends.

Idiomatic 'sends a chill down one's spine'.

The political scandal sends the administration into a tailspin.

Le scandale politique plonge l'administration dans le chaos.

Metaphorical 'sends into a tailspin'.

The fragrance of the flowers sends her back to her childhood in the countryside.

Le parfum des fleurs la renvoie à son enfance à la campagne.

Describing the power of memory and sensation.

The general sends his troops into the fray despite the heavy losses.

Le général envoie ses troupes dans la mêlée malgré les lourdes pertes.

Formal and dramatic 'into the fray'.

The star sends its light across millions of light-years to reach our eyes.

L'étoile envoie sa lumière à travers des millions d'années-lumière pour atteindre nos yeux.

Cosmic scale of transmission.

The rejection of the treaty sends the negotiations back to square one.

Le rejet du traité ramène les négociations à la case départ.

Idiomatic 'sends back to square one'.

His arrogant tone sends a clear signal that he is not interested in compromise.

Son ton arrogant indique clairement qu'il n'est pas intéressé par un compromis.

Nuanced interpretation of social cues.

The artist sends a provocative challenge to traditional aesthetic values.

L'artiste lance un défi provocateur aux valeurs esthétiques traditionnelles.

Conceptual 'sending' of a challenge.

Common Collocations

sends an email

sends a message

sends a signal

sends a package

sends regards

sends shivers

sends out

sends for

sends back

sends a reminder

Common Phrases

sends a chill

— Causes someone to feel very frightened or cold.

The cold wind sends a chill through the house.

sends word

— To deliver a message or information to someone.

He sends word that he will be late for the meeting.

sends flying

— To hit something so hard that it moves through the air.

The car hit the trash can and sends it flying.

sends packing

— To dismiss someone abruptly or tell them to leave.

The manager sends the lazy employee packing.

sends to sleep

— To be so boring that it makes someone fall asleep.

This long lecture always sends me to sleep.

sends a representative

— To dispatch a person to act on behalf of a group.

The company sends a representative to the conference.

sends a shock

— To cause a sudden feeling of surprise or alarm.

The news sends a shock through the entire family.

sends mixed signals

— To communicate in a confusing or contradictory way.

Her behavior sends mixed signals about her feelings.

sends for help

— To request assistance from others.

The injured hiker sends for help using a whistle.

sends a thank you note

— To mail a message expressing gratitude.

She always sends a thank you note after a party.

Often Confused With

sends vs spends

Spends is about using time or money; sends is about moving something.

sends vs sent

Sent is the past tense; sends is the present tense.

sends vs lends

Lends is about giving something temporarily; sends is about dispatching.

Idioms & Expressions

"sends shivers down one's spine"

— To cause a feeling of fear, excitement, or awe.

The ghost story sends shivers down my spine.

informal

"sends someone into a tailspin"

— To cause someone to become very confused, upset, or out of control.

The bad news sends her into a tailspin.

informal

"sends someone to Coventry"

— To refuse to speak to someone as a punishment.

The team sends him to Coventry after his mistake.

British English

"sends a boy to do a man's job"

— To use someone who is not experienced enough for a task.

Hiring a junior for this project sends a boy to do a man's job.

idiomatic

"sends someone over the edge"

— To cause someone to lose their sanity or self-control.

The constant noise finally sends him over the edge.

informal

"sends someone packing"

— To make someone leave immediately and permanently.

She sends her boyfriend packing after he lies to her.

informal

"sends a clear signal"

— To make one's intentions or feelings very obvious.

His silence sends a clear signal of his disapproval.

neutral

"sends someone up"

— To mock or satirize someone or something.

The comedian sends up the famous politician.

informal

"sends someone to their grave"

— To cause someone's death.

The heavy stress of the job sends him to an early grave.

literary

"sends word"

— To communicate a message, often from a distance.

He sends word that the army is approaching.

formal/literary

Easily Confused

sends vs delivers

Both involve moving objects.

Sends focuses on the start of the trip; delivers focuses on the arrival.

He sends the package, and the mailman delivers it.

sends vs brings

Both involve moving objects to a person.

Brings implies the person is coming with the object; sends implies they are not.

She brings me coffee (she is here); she sends me coffee (via a delivery app).

sends vs takes

Both involve movement.

Takes implies moving something away from the speaker; sends implies dispatching via a service.

He takes the letter to the post office; then the post office sends it.

sends vs transmits

Both mean moving information.

Transmits is technical (waves/data); sends is general.

The radio sends music, but the tower transmits the signal.

sends vs forwards

Both mean sending a message.

Forwards means sending something you already received from someone else.

She sends an email; then I forward it to you.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + sends + Object

He sends a text.

Subject + sends + Person + Object

She sends me a gift.

Subject + sends + Object + to + Person

The company sends a bill to the customer.

Subject + sends + out + Object

The school sends out a newsletter.

Subject + sends + Person + to + Place

The doctor sends the patient to a specialist.

Subject + sends + Object + back

He sends the broken toy back to the shop.

Subject + sends + Abstract Object + through + Place

The news sends a shockwave through the country.

Subject + sends + Person + into + State

The failure sends him into a deep depression.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

He send me an email. → He sends me an email.
The subject 'He' requires the third-person singular 's' in the present tense.
She sends to me a gift. → She sends me a gift.
When the recipient comes first, do not use the preposition 'to'.
The computer is sends the data. → The computer sends the data.
Do not use 'is' with the present simple form 'sends'.
He sends the letter yesterday. → He sent the letter yesterday.
'Sends' is present tense; 'sent' is the correct past tense form.
The sun sends out of light. → The sun sends out light.
The phrasal verb is 'sends out', not 'sends out of'.

Tips

Check the Subject

Always ensure the subject is 'he', 'she', 'it', or a singular noun before using 'sends'.

Use Synonyms

Try using 'dispatches' for formal tasks or 'transmits' for technical signals to sound more advanced.

Voiced Ending

Remember to vibrate your vocal cords for the 'z' sound at the end of 'sends'.

Object Order

If you use 'to', put it after the object: 'Sends the file to the boss'.

Digital First

In modern English, 'sends' is most often used for emails, texts, and social media posts.

Mixed Signals

Use the phrase 'sends mixed signals' to describe someone who is being confusing.

Sends For

Use 'sends for' when you want to say someone is calling for a person to come.

Automatic Sends

Use 'sends' to describe what software or systems do automatically.

No 'e' before 's'

Unlike some other verbs, 'send' just adds 's' to become 'sends'. Do not write 'sendes'.

Listen for the 'D'

Don't confuse 'sends' with 'sense'. The 'd' sound is small but important.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'S' in 'Sends' as standing for 'Singular' and 'Starting' a journey. He Sends a Signal.

Visual Association

Imagine a person clicking a large 'S' shaped button that launches a paper airplane across a room.

Word Web

Email Package Signal Message Dispatch Transmit Deliver Forward

Challenge

Write three sentences about what a computer 'sends' using the third-person singular 'sends' in each one.

Word Origin

The word 'sends' comes from the Old English 'sendan', which meant to send, cast, or throw. It has roots in the Proto-Germanic '*sandijan', which is related to the word for 'way' or 'journey'.

Original meaning: To cause to go, to dispatch on a journey.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'sends' in the context of 'sending someone away', as it can sound harsh or dismissive depending on the tone.

Sending Christmas cards is a long-standing tradition in the UK and USA, though it is becoming more digital.

The song 'Send in the Clowns' by Stephen Sondheim. The phrase 'Send my regards to Broadway'. The movie 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' (about sending mail).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Email and Messaging

sends an attachment
sends a reply
sends a link
sends a notification

Post and Shipping

sends a parcel
sends by airmail
sends a postcard
sends a tracking number

Technology

sends a signal
sends data
sends a request
sends a command

Social Interactions

sends regards
sends an invitation
sends flowers
sends a warning

Science and Nature

sends light
sends heat
sends a pulse
sends a hormone

Conversation Starters

"What is the most interesting thing someone sends you in the mail?"

"How often does your boss or teacher sends you feedback on your work?"

"Do you think a computer sends too many notifications these days?"

"What kind of signal does a person sends when they are late for a meeting?"

"When someone sends you a gift you don't like, do you tell them?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when a simple message that someone sends changed your day.

Write about a package that a company sends to the wrong address.

Reflect on the signals that your body sends you when you are stressed.

Imagine a future where a machine sends thoughts directly to other people.

Discuss the importance of the information that a government sends to its citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'sends' is very commonly used for digital messages like emails and texts, as well as abstract things like signals, feelings, and warnings. For example, 'The brain sends signals' or 'She sends her love'.

'Sends' is used for habits, facts, or regular actions (He sends an email every day). 'Is sending' is used for an action happening right now (He is sending the email at this moment).

It is better to say 'He sends me a letter' or 'He sends a letter to me'. Putting 'to me' before the object is less common and can sound unnatural.

Use 'sends out' when something is being distributed to many people or in many directions, like a newsletter, a smell, or light from the sun.

Yes, but the form changes. Instead of 'sends', you would use 'is sent'. For example, 'The letter is sent by him'.

Yes, you can send a person to a place, like 'The boss sends him to London' or 'The mother sends her child to bed'.

'Sends for' is a phrasal verb meaning to request that someone come to you. For example, 'The doctor sends for the nurse'.

'Sends' is neutral. It is appropriate for both a casual text message and a formal business report.

'Sends' is a verb form, so it doesn't have a plural. However, the subject it agrees with must be singular (He sends). If the subject is plural, you use 'send' (They send).

In old-fashioned or very specific slang, 'it sends me' can mean it makes someone very excited or happy, but this is not common in modern daily English.