What About "Hang"?

What About "Hang"?

A Poem by Bob B

"Hang" and "hang" are two different verbs--

One is strong; the other is weak.

You'll often notice that they are misused

When English speakers write and speak.


STRONG verbs are irregular verbs.

WEAK verbs are regular. So you'll find

That these are just two categories

To which all English verbs are assigned.

 

When we say, "We hung the painting

On the wall," the verb is strong.

But if we say, "They hung the bandit

At dawn," well, that is wrong.

 

"They hanged the bandit at dawn" is correct.

"Hang" there is weak. As you can see,

The past tense form of the weak verb "hang"

Ends in the letters E and D.

 

So does the participle as well:

"The murderous bandit was hanged at dawn."

Of course, the bandit wouldn't care

What verb we used once he was gone.

 

If you say, "The bandit was hung,"

You can say it if you dare,

But that implies something different,

And maybe we shouldn't be going there.

 

If you're unsure about "hung" and "hanged,"

Maybe do a grammar check.

"We hung the ornaments on the tree";

"The violent outlaw was hanged by the neck."
 

-by Bob B (10-3-21)

© 2021 Bob B


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Reviews

Your poetry is always a delight to read my friend. Thoughtful, educational, and above all else honest. Thank you for all the art you submit to the community. We are wiser for it.

Posted 3 Years Ago


Bob B

3 Years Ago

Thanks for your insightful comments.

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Added on October 3, 2021
Last Updated on October 4, 2021