Words / B2

ik-SPEND/ɪkˈspend/

To expend is to use or spend time, money, energy, or resources: expend energy; expend on. Spend is everyday (especially money); use up is a close twin; expand is a different verb (get bigger). Expend energy in the PE test still needs the kJ or the time. Mix-up: expend vs expand; expend vs extend; do not write expend for money that is only budgeted, not spent.

Meaning

To use or spend time, money, energy, or resources (expend on).

Examples

• “Expend energy in the PE test still needs the kJ or the time, not a gym caption.”
• “Funds were expended on repairs, which is still a named £ — quote the year.”

Good to know

expend energy / resources / time; expend on. Everyday: spend / use up. Trap: expand / extend / a budget line not yet spent. PE, business, and science. Used up — quote kJ, hours, or £.

Near in meaning

use up, spend, consume

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