Sank vs. Sunk
In this lesson, we're gonna analyze the differences and similarities between these two past forms of the verb 'sink'. Are they both correct?
What Is Their Main Difference?
Both are past tenses of the verb 'sink'. However, 'sank' is the simple past tense, while, 'sunk' is the past participle form of the verb.
Differences
'Sank' is the simple past form, whereas, 'sunk' is the past participle form of the verb 'sink'. Check out the following examples:
The ship
The boat has totally sunk down into the ocean.
Similarities
They are both past forms of the verb 'sink'. Look below:
The jewels have
Jason
Are They Interchangeable?
Since they have different grammatical functions, they cannot be used interchangeably. 'Sank' is the simple past tense, while, 'sunk' is the past participle form of the verb. Compare:
✓ The moment she got back from work, she threw herself onto the bed and
X The moment she got back from work, she threw herself onto the bed and
As you can see here, this sentence is grammatically incorrect.