I have spared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have spared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that you have chosen not to harm, punish, or burden someone or something. Example: "I have spared you the details of the situation to avoid causing you unnecessary stress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This year I have spared myself that sorry charade.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I have spared myself the moment where I usually toss a stack of printouts into the trash.

The New York Times

I have spared no effort to prevent the bloodshed.

BBC

I can also see a running tally of how much pollution I have spared the atmosphere by eliminating another vehicle from the road.

TechCrunch

The first is Roman Polanski, and the readers of Huffington Post know that I have spared no effort to plead and defend his cause over the past seven months.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I'm sparing you and because I've spared you, you will read the Qur'an'.

The Guardian

I've spared you surnames (I'm not one for ridicule), but you know who you are.

Independent

I've spared myself, so I think I'll see it in real time and hopefully I'll be O.K. with it.

The New York Times

I had spared ForbesLife a $43,000 shooting bill (though it had crossed my mind to insist on shooting in order to maintain my cover).

Forbes

Had I read that book before I moved, I would have spared myself a lot of bumbling.

The New York Times

"I have never yet seen the year, since I was married, when I could have spared even a hundred dollars from the necessary expense of living," he complained.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I have spared" to show kindness or moderation in avoiding harm or punishment.

Common error

Avoid using "I have spared" when a more direct term like "saved" or "avoided" would be clearer. Overusing the phrase can sound unnatural in certain contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have spared" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, indicating a completed action in the present perfect tense. Ludwig indicates correctness in this phrase. It typically introduces a statement about avoiding something unpleasant or withholding something from someone.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academic Sources

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I have spared" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase. Ludwig confirms this. It's used to indicate that someone has avoided inflicting something unpleasant or has withheld something. It is suitable for neutral and professional contexts, as seen in news and media sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Related phrases include "I have avoided" and "I have refrained from", offering alternative ways to express a similar concept. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear about what has been avoided to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have avoided

Emphasizes the action of actively keeping away from something.

I have refrained from

Highlights the act of deliberately abstaining from doing something.

I have omitted

Focuses on the exclusion of something, often information.

I have abstained from

Implies a conscious decision to withhold oneself from something.

I have conserved

Stresses the preservation of something valuable by limiting its use.

I have forgone

Indicates a voluntary sacrifice or renunciation of something.

I have bypassed

Suggests going around or avoiding an obstacle or step.

I have eluded

Implies escaping or avoiding something, often skillfully.

I have sidestepped

Conveys the idea of dodging or evading an issue or question.

I have circumvented

Highlights finding a way around an obstacle or restriction.

FAQs

What does "I have spared" mean?

It means that someone has chosen not to inflict harm, punishment, or some other negative experience on someone or something. It implies a deliberate act of avoidance.

What can I say instead of "I have spared"?

You can use alternatives like "I have avoided", "I have refrained from", or "I have omitted" depending on the context.

How to use "I have spared" in a sentence?

You can use it to indicate you've avoided causing someone pain or inconvenience, such as "I have spared you the details of the accident." Another example could be "I have spared no expense" to mean that you have spent a lot of money or effort.

Is it correct to say "I have spared of" instead of "I have spared"?

No, the correct usage is "I have spared" without the "of". The phrase "I have spared you" is grammatically correct, while "I have spared of you" is not.