How to Use Swing Past Tense (Swung vs Swung)

What's the past tense of "swing"?

The simple past tense of swing is swung, and the past participle is also swung. Use swung for both simple past and past participle forms.

Definition of swing

The Oxford English Dictionary defines swing as "to move or cause to move back and forth or from side to side while suspended or on an axis." It's an irregular verb that doesn't follow the standard "-ed" pattern for past tenses.

• The past tense of swing is swung.
• The past participle of swing is swung.

Verb forms of 'swing'

Examples of 'swing' in sentences

Here are some examples of how to use the different forms of swing in sentences:

Simple Present

• The pendulum swings back and forth.
• I swing my arms when I walk.

Simple Past

• The door swung open suddenly.
• She swung the bat and hit the ball.

Past Participle

• The door has swung shut.
• He has swung the axe many times.

Present Perfect

• She has swung on the swing set all afternoon.
• We have swung the door open and closed.

Common mistakes with 'swing'

Here are some common mistakes people make when using the verb swing:

❌ Incorrect

• The door swinged open. (Should be "swung")
• She has swinged the bat. (Should be "swung")
• We swinged on the swings. (Should be "swung")

✅ Correct

• The door swung open.
• She has swung the bat.
• We swung on the swings.

Quiz: Test your knowledge

Choose the correct form of swing for each sentence:

1. The door _____ open.
   • swing
   • swung
   • swinged
2. She has _____ the bat.
   • swing
   • swung
   • swinged
3. They _____ on the swings.
   • swing
   • swung
   • swinged

Answers: 1. swung, 2. swung, 3. swing

Summary

The verb swing is irregular, with swung as both the simple past tense and past participle. Remember that irregular verbs don't follow the standard "-ed" pattern, so it's important to memorize their forms. Practice using these forms in context to become more comfortable with them.