Hanged vs Hung
What’s the difference between them?
Hanged
Meaning:
Hanged means to be put to death by hanging.
Examples:
1. The criminal was hanged for his heinous crime.
2. He was hanged for his words.
3. In Middle Ages many people were hanged for their beliefs.
Hung
Meaning:
Hung means suspended in the air without the support of anything else.
Examples:
1. Hung upside down by her feet, the girl struggled to free herself from the rope.
2. The curtains were hung with heavy, velvet fabric.
3. The young athlete was hung with medals from his many accomplishments.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Hanged
1. Executed by hanging
2. Put to the gallows
3. Strung up
4. Suspended by the neck
5. Met one's end by hanging
1. Saved
2. Freed
3. Liberated
4. Unstrung
5. Not executed
6. Let go
Hung
1. Suspended
2. Hanging
3. Strung
4. Dangling
5. Slung
1. Unhung
2. Underslung
3. Unsuspended
4. Rose up
5. Rescinded
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Hanged", "Hung".
1. 'Hanged' is the past tense of the verb 'to hang' when referring to death by hanging.
2. 'Hung' is the past tense of 'to hang' when referring to suspending something from another object or adhering something to a wall.
3. Mnemonic phrases. If someone gets 'hanged', it is the end of the line, whereas 'hung' is just the beginning when it comes to something being suspended.
4. Remember that 'hanged' is a more serious word, as it is typically used in the context of a person or animal being sentenced to death.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the word 'hanged' be used?
The word 'hanged' is used when referring to the act of suspending someone by a rope around their neck in order to execute them. This form of execution is no longer practiced, so the word 'hanged' is not used as often in modern language.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'hung'?
The word 'hung' is used when referring to suspending something from a higher position, such as a painting or a decoration. It can also be used to describe a person or object that is suspended in midair.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the word 'hanged' is pronounced as /hæŋd/, while 'hung' is pronounced as /hʌŋ/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the most common mistakes people make is using the word 'hanged' when they should be using 'hung'. Due to the historical context of the word 'hanged', it is important to use the correct word depending on the context of the sentence.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The jury found him guilty, so he was ___________ for his crimes.
2. The artist ___________ the painting in the gallery, hoping to find a buyer.
3. During the war, many soldiers were ____________ for treason.
4. The man ____________ himself in his cell, leaving no survivors.
5. The woman __________ the curtains to let some light in.
6. The thief was ____________ for stealing from the bank.
1. The jury found him guilty, so he was hanged for his crimes.
Explanation: hanged is the past tense of the verb to hang, which is used to refer to the act of executing someone by hanging them from a rope or other structure.
2. The artist Hung the painting in the gallery, hoping to find a buyer.
Explanation: Hung is the past tense of the verb to hang, which is used when referring to the act of displaying something on a wall or other structure.
3. During the war, many soldiers were Hanged for treason.
Explanation: Hanged is the past tense of the verb to hang, which is used to refer to the act of executing someone by hanging them from a rope or other structure.
4. The man Hanged himself in his cell, leaving no survivors.
Explanation: Hanged is the past tense of the verb to hang, which is used to refer to the act of executing someone by hanging them from a rope or other structure.
5. The woman Hung the curtains to let some light in.
Explanation: Hung is the past tense of the verb to hang, which is used when referring to the act of suspending something from a structure such as a wall or pole.
6. The thief was hanged for stealing from the bank.
Explanation: hanged is the past tense of the verb to hang, which is used to refer to the act of executing someone by hanging them from a rope or other structure.
Get a gift by subscribing to our newsletter!
Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.