Hung vs Hanged
Published January 23, 2023. Updated January 23, 2023.
Hung and hanged are two words that appear similar but are different in meaning. Hung is a verb that is the past tense of hang. On the other hand, hanged is a verb used to describe when someone is sentenced to death by hanging.
Here are some definitions and examples to help make the use of these words clearer.
Hung (verb)
The past tense form of hang
Examples:
It was so hot yesterday that I simply hung the towels in the backyard to dry.
The flag hung motionlessly in the empty town square.
Remember that hung is a past tense verb form, so events related to it will always be in the past.
Hanged (verb)
A verb used to describe when someone is being sentenced to death by hanging
Examples:
The criminal was hanged publicly for all to see.
Decades ago, to be hanged was a common form of execution.
Hanged always refers to death and execution. It is a specified word, so it should not overlap with hung.
Main Points
- Hung is the past tense of the verb hang
- Hanged is a verb that refers to the act of sentencing someone to death by hanging
- Remember that each word is used in a vastly different context, so pay attention to this before you decide on which to select. Hanged only refers to one thing and only has one use, so it will likely be used much less than hung.