Hung vs. Hang — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 31, 2024
"Hung" is the past tense and past participle of "hang" when referring to attaching or suspending something. "Hang" is the base form, used for present tense or the infinitive form, and has a second past tense form, "hanged," specifically for executions.
Difference Between Hung and Hang
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Key Differences
The word "hang" serves as the base form of the verb, indicating the act of suspending something from above so that it is free to swing or dangle. It can also refer to the way a person or thing exists in a particular state or position. For example, hanging a picture on the wall or saying clothes hang in a closet. Whereas "hung" is typically used as the past tense and past participle form for these general suspensions or positions, indicating that the action has been completed in the past, such as a picture that was hung on the wall.
"Hang" has a special past tense form, "hanged," when referring to the killing of someone by suspending them by the neck. This usage is specifically reserved for executions or suicides, highlighting a distinct difference in application. For instance, in legal or historical contexts, one might say, "The traitor was hanged at dawn." This distinction underscores the gravity of the act compared to the more mundane or everyday actions described by "hung."
The differentiation between "hung" and "hanged" for past actions emphasizes the importance of context in English verb conjugation, reflecting the language's complexity and the nuanced meanings words can convey. Understanding when to use "hung" versus "hanged" involves recognizing the nature of the action being described, whether it's a simple act of suspension or the execution of a person.
"Hung" and "hang," beyond their specific grammatical uses, can also carry metaphorical meanings, influencing the tone and imagery of a sentence. For example, describing a situation as "hanging by a thread" conveys a sense of precariousness and vulnerability. This versatility makes "hang" and its forms valuable for a wide range of expressions, from the literal hanging of an object to figurative applications that capture emotional states or situations.
Comparison Chart
Base Form
N/A
Hang (present tense/infinitive)
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Past Tense
Hung (general use)
N/A
Usage
Used as past tense for general suspensions
To suspend or be suspended
Example
"He hung the picture yesterday."
"I will hang the picture tomorrow."
Special Context
General past actions not involving
General use in present tense or as infinitive
Compare with Definitions
Hung
Used to describe an item that has been attached or suspended.
The coat hung on the rack all day.
Hang
To be suspended or poised.
A sense of excitement hangs in the air.
Hung
Indicates something that remains in a state of suspension.
The mystery hung unresolved for years.
Hang
To attach or suspend so as to allow free movement.
She plans to hang curtains in the living room.
Hung
Past tense of hang, indicating the action of suspension has been completed.
They hung the mirror on the wall last night.
Hang
To attach a picture or ornament to a wall.
They will hang their new painting in the hallway.
Hung
Refers to the position or manner in which something drapes or is positioned.
The curtains hung perfectly straight.
Hang
To remain undecided or pending.
The decision still hangs in the balance.
Hung
Simple past tense and past participle of hang(in any sense)
Hang
To drape or fall in folds.
The elegant drapes hang beautifully in the grand hall.
Hung
Suggests a past action of placing something in a hanging position.
She hung her head in shame.
Hang
To fasten from above with no support from below; suspend
Hung the hat on a peg.
Hung
Past and past participle of hang
Hang
To suspend or fasten so as to allow free movement at or about the point of suspension
Hang a door.
Hung
(of an elected body) having no political party with an overall majority
A hung parliament
In a hung council, his vote would be eagerly sought by either party
Hang
To execute by hanging
They hanged the prisoner at dawn.
Hung
Emotionally confused or disturbed
People are hung up in all sorts of ways
Hang
Used to express exasperation or disgust
I'll be hanged! Hang it all!.
Hung
Used in similes to refer to the size of a man's genitals
He's hung like a horse
Hang
To alter the hem of (a garment) so as to fall evenly at a specified height.
Hung
Past tense and a past participle of hang. See Usage Note at hang.
Hang
To furnish, decorate, or appoint by suspending objects around or about
Hang a room with curtains.
Hung
Vulgar Slang Having large genitals. Used of a male.
Hang
To hold or incline downward; let droop
Hang one's head in sorrow.
Hung
Anxious; nervous.
Hang
(Informal) To make (a turn in a specific direction)
At the next intersection, hang a right.
Hung
Overly involved or preoccupied; hung up.
Hang
To attach to a wall
Hang wallpaper.
Hung
Simple past tense and past participle of hang(except when referring to the method of execution; there, hanged is used instead)
Hang
To display by attaching to a wall or other structure
Hung four new paintings in the foyer.
Hung
Suspended by hanging.
Hang
(Informal) To give (a nickname or label) to someone.
Hung
Having hanging additions or appendages.
Hang
To deadlock (a jury) by failing to render a unanimous verdict.
Hung
(law) Of a jury, unable to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial.
Hang
(Baseball) To throw (a pitch) in such a manner as to fail to break.
Hung
Of a legislature, lacking a majority political party.
Hung parliament
Hang
(Computers) To cause (a computer system) to halt so that input devices, such as the keyboard or the mouse, do not function.
Hung
Of a computer or similar device, receiving power but not functioning as desired; working very slowly or not at all. The condition is often corrected by rebooting the computer.
Hang
To be attached from above with no support from below.
Hung
Having a large penis (often preceded by an adverb, e.g. well hung).
Hang
To die as a result of hanging.
Hung
(usually followed by `with' or used in a combining form) having items suspended on or from a support;
Walls hung with valuable paintings
A vine-hung trellis
Hang
To remain suspended or poised over a place or an object; hover
Rain clouds hanging low over the corn fields.
Hang
To attach oneself as a dependent or an impediment; cling.
Hang
To incline downward; droop.
Hang
To depend
Everything hangs on the committee's decision.
Hang
To pay strict attention
A student who hangs on the professor's every word.
Hang
To remain unresolved or uncertain
His future hung in the balance.
Hang
To fit the body in loose lines
A dress that hangs well.
Hang
To be on display, as in a gallery.
Hang
(Baseball) To fail to break or move in the intended way, as a curve ball.
Hang
To be imminent; loom
The threat hanging over us.
Hang
To be or become burdensome
Time hung heavy on my hands.
Hang
(Computers) To be halted, as a computer system, so that input devices do not function
The power surge caused my computer to hang, so I had to reboot it.
Hang
To spend one's free time in a certain place. Often used with around or out
Liked to hang out at the pool hall.
Hang
To pass time idly; loiter. Often used with around or out
Spent the evening hanging at home.
Hung out for an hour before going to the play.
Hang
To keep company; see socially. Often used with around or out
Hangs around with kids from a different school.
Hang
The way in which something hangs.
Hang
A downward inclination or slope.
Hang
Particular meaning or significance.
Hang
(Informal) The proper method for doing, using, or handling something
Finally got the hang of it.
Hang
A suspension of motion; a slackening.
Hang
(intransitive) To be or remain suspended.
The lights hung from the ceiling.
Hang
(intransitive) To float, as if suspended.
The smoke hung in the room.
Hang
(intransitive) To veer in one direction.
Hang
To rebound unexpectedly or unusually slowly, due to backward spin on the ball or imperfections of the ground.
Hang
(transitive) To hold or bear in a suspended or inclined manner or position instead of erect.
He hung his head in shame.
Hang
(transitive) To cause (something) to be suspended, as from a hook, hanger, hinges, or the like.
Hang those lights from the ceiling.
To hang a door
Hang
To kill (someone) by suspension from the neck, usually as a form of execution or suicide. Category:en:Capital punishment
The culprits were hanged from the nearest tree.
Hang
To be executed by suspension by one's neck from a gallows, a tree, or other raised bar, attached by a rope tied into a noose.
You will hang for this, my friend.
Hang
(used in maledictions) To damn.
Hang
To loiter; to hang around; to spend time idly.
I didn't see anything, officer. I was just hanging.
Hang
(transitive) To exhibit (an object) by hanging.
Hang
(transitive) To apply (wallpaper or drywall to a wall).
Let's hang this cute animal design in the nursery.
Hang
(transitive) To decorate (something) with hanging objects.
Let's hang the nursery with some new wallpaper.
Hang
To remain persistently in one's thoughts.
Hang
(transitive) To prevent from reaching a decision, especially by refusing to join in a verdict that must be unanimous.
One obstinate juror can hang a jury.
Hang
To stop responding to manual input devices such as the keyboard and mouse.
The computer has hung again. Not even pressing ++
When I push this button the program hangs.
Hang
To cause (a program or computer) to stop responding.
The program has a bug that can hang the system.
Hang
To cause a piece to become vulnerable to capture.
If you move there, you'll hang your rook.
Hang
To be vulnerable to capture.
In this standard opening position White has to be careful because the pawn on e4 hangs.
Hang
To throw a hittable off-speed pitch.
Hang
To attach or cause to stick (a charge or accusation, etc.).
Hang
The way in which something hangs.
This skirt has a nice hang.
Hang
A mass of hanging material.
Hang
A slackening of motion.
Hang
A sharp or steep declivity or slope.
Hang
(computing) An instance of ceasing to respond to input.
We sometimes get system hangs.
Hang
A grip, understanding.
Hang
(colloquial)
Hang
The smallest amount of concern or consideration; a damn.
I don't give a hang.
They don't seem to care a hang about the consequences.
Hang
A hangout.
Hang
A person that someone hangs out with.
Hang
Cheap processed ham (cured pork), often made specially for sandwiches.
Hang
Alternative spelling of Hang
Hang
To suspend; to fasten to some elevated point without support from below; - often used with up or out; as, to hang a coat on a hook; to hang up a sign; to hang out a banner.
Hang
To fasten in a manner which will allow of free motion upon the point or points of suspension; - said of a pendulum, a swing, a door, gate, etc.
Hang
To fit properly, as at a proper angle (a part of an implement that is swung in using), as a scythe to its snath, or an ax to its helve.
Hang
To cover, decorate, or furnish by hanging pictures, trophies, drapery, and the like, or by covering with paper hangings; - said of a wall, a room, etc.
Hung be the heavens with black.
And hung thy holy roofs with savage spoils.
Hang
To paste, as paper hangings, on the walls of a room.
Hang
To hold or bear in a suspended or inclined manner or position instead of erect; to droop; as, he hung his head in shame.
Cowslips wan that hang the pensive head.
Hang
To prevent from reaching a decision, esp. by refusing to join in a verdict that must be unanimous; as, one obstinate juror can hang a jury.
Hang
To be suspended or fastened to some elevated point without support from below; to dangle; to float; to rest; to remain; to stay.
Hang
To be fastened in such a manner as to allow of free motion on the point or points of suspension.
Hang
To hold for support; to depend; to cling; - usually with on or upon; as, this question hangs on a single point.
Hang
To be, or be like, a suspended weight.
Life hangs upon me, and becomes a burden.
Hang
To hover; to impend; to appear threateningly; - usually with over; as, evils hang over the country.
Hang
To lean or incline; to incline downward.
To decide which way hung the victory.
His neck obliquely o'er his shoulder hung.
Hang
To slope down; as, hanging grounds.
Hang
To be undetermined or uncertain; to be in suspense; to linger; to be delayed.
A noble stroke he lifted high,Which hung not, but so swift with tempest fellOn the proud crest of Satan.
Hang
Of a ball: To rebound unexpectedly or unusually slowly, due to backward spin on the ball or imperfections of ground.
Hang
To fail to curve, break, or drop as intended; - said of pitches, such as curve balls or sliders.
Hang
To cease to operate normally and remain suspended in some state without performing useful work; - said of computer programs, computers, or individual processes within a program; as, when using Windows 3.1, my system would hang and need rebooting several times a day.
Hang
The manner in which one part or thing hangs upon, or is connected with, another; as, the hang of a scythe.
Hang
Connection; arrangement; plan; as, the hang of a discourse.
Hang
A sharp or steep declivity or slope.
Hang
A special way of doing something;
He had a bent for it
He had a special knack for getting into trouble
He couldn't get the hang of it
Hang
The way a garment hangs;
He adjusted the hang of his coat
Hang
A gymnastic exercise performed on the rings or horizontal bar or parallel bars when the gymnast's weight is supported by the arms
Hang
Be suspended or hanging;
The flag hung on the wall
Hang
Cause to be hanging or suspended;
Hang that picture on the wall
Hang
Kill by hanging;
The murdered was hanged on Friday
Hang
Let drop or droop;
Hang one's head in shame
Hang
Fall or flow in a certain way;
This dress hangs well
Her long black hair flowed down her back
Hang
Be menacing, burdensome, or oppressive;
This worry hangs on my mind
The cloud of suspicion hangs over her
Hang
Give heed (to);
The children in the audience attended the recital quietly
She hung on his every word
They attended to everything he said
Hang
Be suspended or poised;
Heavy fog hung over the valley
Hang
Hold on tightly or tenaciously;
Hang on to your father's hands
The child clung to his mother's apron
Hang
Be exhibited;
Picasso hangs in this new wing of the museum
Hang
Prevent from reaching a verdict, of a jury
Hang
Decorate or furnish with something suspended;
Hang wallpaper
Hang
Be placed in position as by a hinge;
This cabinet door doesn't hang right!
Hang
Place in position as by a hinge so as to allow free movement in one direction;
Hang a door
Hang
Of meat, in order to get a gamey taste;
Hang the venison for a few days
Common Curiosities
What does "hang" mean?
"Hang" refers to the act of suspending something from above so it can swing or remain free, or to position oneself or something in a specific manner.
How do you use "hung" correctly?
"Hung" is used as the past tense for actions involving suspending or attaching something, except in the context of executions.
Can "hung" and "hanged" be used interchangeably?
No, "hung" and "hanged" cannot be used interchangeably due to their distinct contexts—general suspension versus execution.
Do "hang," "hung," and "hanged" have the same base word?
Yes, they all derive from the base verb "hang," but "hung" and "hanged" are used as past tense forms in different contexts.
What is the past participle of "hang"?
The past participle is "hung" for general use and "hanged" when referring to executions.
Why is there a difference between "hung" and "hanged"?
The difference highlights English's capacity to use specific word forms to convey distinct actions, in this case differentiating between ordinary acts of suspension and the specific act of hanging as a form of execution.
Is "hanged" still used in modern English?
Yes, "hanged" is still used, especially in legal, historical, and formal contexts to describe by hanging.
How do you remember when to use "hung" vs. "hanged"?
Remember that "hung" is for objects and general actions, while "hanged" is specifically by hanging.
When should you use "hanged"?
"Hanged" is specifically used for referring by hanging, particularly in executions or suicides.
Can objects be "hanged"?
Typically, objects are "hung." "Hanged" is reserved for persons in the context of execution.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
