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I spent Christmas with the Smith's. vs I spend Christmas with the Smiths.

Both phrases are similar but they have different tenses. The first phrase "I spent Christmas with the Smiths." ("Smiths" not "Smith's") is in the past tense, while the second phrase "I spend Christmas with the Smiths." is in the present tense. The correct choice depends on the context of when the Christmas event took place or will take place.
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Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: August 24, 2024

I spent Christmas with the Smith's.

This phrase is correct when referring to a past event.

This phrase is used when talking about a past Christmas event spent with the Smith family.

Examples:

  • Last year, I spent Christmas with the Smith's.
  • I spent Christmas with the Smith's when I was a child.

Alternatives:

  • I spent Christmas with the Smith family.
  • I spent Christmas with the Smiths.
  • I spent Christmas with the Smiths' family.
  • I spent Christmas with the Smiths last year.
  • I spent Christmas with the Smiths in 2019.

I spend Christmas with the Smiths.

This phrase is correct when referring to a present or habitual action.

This phrase is used when talking about a current or habitual action of spending Christmas with the Smith family.

Examples:

  • Every year, I spend Christmas with the Smiths.
  • I spend Christmas with the Smiths because they are my neighbors.

Alternatives:

  • I usually spend Christmas with the Smiths.
  • I always spend Christmas with the Smiths.
  • I spend Christmas with the Smith family.
  • I spend Christmas with the Smiths every year.
  • I spend Christmas with the Smiths annually.

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