• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Home of English Grammar
  • Home
  • Course
  • Exercises
  • Grammar Rules
  • Vocabulary Matches
  • Posts
  • Tools
    • Grammar Checker
    • Very Replacer
    • Word Counter
  • Vocabulary Lists
  • Archives
    • Social Media Posts
    • Writing Guides
  • Sign in
  • Join free

Hung vs. hanged: what is the difference?

May 12, 2026

"Hung" and "hanged" are not the same.

Hung and hanged are both past forms of hang, but they are not used the same way.

In modern English, hung is the usual choice for things being suspended or placed in a hanging position. This applies to objects and to people in nonexecution contexts.

  • The coat hung by the door.
  • A lamp hung from the ceiling.
  • He was hung upside down in the stunt.

Hanged is generally reserved for execution, especially in legal, historical, or formal writing.

  • The prisoner was hanged in 1850.
  • He was sentenced to be hanged.

A simple way to remember it is this: if you are talking about an object, decoration, or ordinary physical position, use hung. If you are talking about execution by hanging, use hanged.

This distinction is one of those small grammar points that can make your writing sound much more precise.

Improve your English grammar, vocabulary and writing

We take you step by step from beginner to advanced, even if you struggled with English at school or have always had trouble remembering the rules.

  • 10 modules, 112 lessons and 730 questions
  • Just log in and learn anytime and anywhere
  • Your progress is saved in your account
  • Download the 2027 Grammar Guide (PDF)
Join free

Already have an account? Sign in

See what’s in the course

Primary Sidebar

2.4M760.9K165.9K

Free 2027 Grammar Guide

  • Download Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Online grammar course, A1 to C2
  • Weekly exercises and vocabulary
  • Join over 3 million English learners

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Already have an account? Sign in

Grammar Checker - Try Now

Latest Posts

  • “How come?” has meant “why?” since the 1800s November 3, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Vary” November 3, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Individuals” November 3, 2026
  • Temporary vs. passing vs. fleeting vs. transient vs. ephemeral vs. evanescent November 3, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Restless” November 3, 2026
  • Hard, firm, solid, rigid, stiff and unyielding: How to choose November 3, 2026
  • The origin of “out of the blue” November 3, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Individualised” November 3, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Varied” November 3, 2026
  • Fewer vs. less: counting things and measuring amounts November 3, 2026
Home of English Grammar

Free English grammar exercises, rules and vocabulary lists, with new exercises every week. Join the leading English grammar site with over 3 million followers.

Join free

Learn

  • Exercises
  • Matches
  • Grammar rules
  • Vocabulary lists
  • Writing guides
  • Online tools

More

  • Top social media posts
  • Various posts
  • Contact

Account

  • Join free
  • Grammar Course
  • Free grammar guide (PDF)

Copyright © 2026 EnglishGrammar.org

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Sitemap