How to Use Sang or Sung (Definition, Correct Usage)

Sing is an irregular verb because it doesn't follow the standard pattern of adding "-ed" to form the past tense. Instead, it changes to sang for the simple past and sung for the past participle, following a similar pattern to verbs like ring/rang/rung, drink/drank/drunk, and swim/swam/swum.

When to use sang vs. sung

She sang beautifully at the concert.

I have sung in many choirs over the years.

The verb sing uses different forms for simple past tense and present or past perfect), it requires an auxiliary verb like have, has, or had. The simple past doesn't use a helper verb since it's a complete tense, so sang can stand alone in sentences, whereas participles require an auxiliary verb.

Similar irregular verbs

sing

Past: sang

Past part: sung

Sentence examples: sing, sang, sung

Sing (present tense)

• I wish I knew how to sing.

• You sing beautifully!

• People that can sing have a cherished gift and talent.

Sang (past simple)

• Rob played piano and Lucy sang.

• She sang the anthem.

• I sang in an a cappella group in college.

Sung (present or past perfect)

• She had sung with them on tour.

• The mother had sung many songs by the time the baby fell asleep.

• They had sung and danced the night away.

Synonyms & nearby words

Synonyms for sing

chant vocalize croon hum warble serenade

Common phrases

it's not over until the fat lady sings if you sing before breakfast, you'll cry before night lay low and sing small to sing someone's praises to sing for one's supper to sing a different song/tune to sing from the same songbook/hymnbook

FAQs

What is the past tense of "sing"?

The simple past tense of "sing" is "sang" and the past participle is "sung". Use "sang" for simple past and "sung" with auxiliary verbs like "have" or "had".

When do I use "sang" vs "sung"?

Use "sang" for the simple past tense (e.g., "She sang beautifully"). Use "sung" as the present or past perfect).

Is "sing" a regular or irregular verb?

"Sing" is an irregular verb because its past tense "sang" and past participle "sung" don't follow the standard pattern of adding "-ed" like regular verbs.

What other verbs are like sing/sang/sung?

Other irregular verbs with similar patterns include: drink/drank/drunk, begin/began/begun, give/gave/given, and grow/grew/grown.

Can I use "sung" alone as a past tense?

No, "sung" cannot be used alone as a simple past tense. It must be used with auxiliary verbs like "have," "has," or "had." For example, "I have sung" (not "I sung").

Sources

"Sing." Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sing. Accessed 15 Jan. 2023.
Harper, Douglas. "Etymology of sing." Online Etymology Dictionary, Accessed 16 January, 2023.
"Sing." TheFreeDictionary.com. 2023. Farlex, Inc. 16 Jan. 2023