Sent vs. Scent vs. Cent

Sent

“Sent” with an “s” is the past tense of “send” (to make someone or something go somewhere)

Scent

“Scent” reminds us of “skunk,” as in “Scat, stinky skunk!” (“C” and “k” sometimes have the same sound, so if it connects to a skunk, add the “c” after the “s.”)

Cent

“Cent” (¢) with a “c” is related to “century” and “centennial” and other words that have to do with 100.

Examples:

• His mother sent him to the store to buy milk, but he had only one cent in his pocket.
  • “sent” = past tense of “send”
  • “cent” = penny
• As he passed the flower shop, the scent of roses pulled him in.
  • “scent” = aroma, odor (noun)
• The storekeeper sold him a rose for a cent and the promise to work in the shop an hour on Saturday.
  • “cent” = 1/100 of a dollar
• The grocer, however, sent him back home for money.
  • “sent” = past tense of “send”
• As he walked into his house, the scent of fresh-baked bread welcomed him.
  • “scent” = odor (noun)

Credits: Photo by Hello I’m Nik, Photo by Jessica Weiller, Photo by Marcel Strauß on Unsplash