“Sped” is the past tense of the verb “speed,” meaning moved quickly or drove faster than allowed. It’s the form you use when you talk about something that happened already—someone or something went fast.
In everyday life, you’ll hear things like “He sped past us on the highway” or “I sped through my homework so I could watch the game.” People also use it to admit a mistake: “I got a ticket because I sped in a school zone.” It’s short, simple, and sounds natural in casual conversation.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- “The ambulance sped to the hospital.” (moved rapidly)
- “She sped up when she saw the yellow light.” (increased speed)
- “We sped home before the storm hit.” (hurried)
Common Contexts
- Driving: “He sped and got pulled over.”
- Rushing tasks: “I sped through the checkout line.”
- Sports commentary: “The runner sped down the track.”
Is “sped” only about cars?
No. Anything that moves fast—people, bikes, even time—can be described with “sped.”
Can I say “speeded” instead?
“Speeded” is also correct but less common in everyday speech; most people just say “sped.”
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