- NEW!
by Gene H on November 1st, 2009
Past tense - the boat sank.
Past perfect tense - the boat sunk
by Dodgy Dog in a Sable COAT on November 1st, 2009
But the boat hasn't sunk. The boat nearly sank but we managed to save it.
by gwh6552 on November 1st, 2009
Sorry, Gene H, but I'm pretty sure that it's
Past tense: the boat sank
Past perfect tense: the boat has sunk
by KikiSpaghetti on November 1st, 2009
I think that they are interchangeable. "The boat sank before my eyes", "The boat sunk before my eyes". Sank sounds better, but I don't think it matters. Correct me if I'm wrong.
by Marguerite on November 1st, 2009
The boat sank.
by calicorey on November 1st, 2009
the boat sank
by nutmegcollector on November 1st, 2009
The boat sank.
by Megan on November 1st, 2009
I say the boat sank
by LarryH54 on November 1st, 2009
You say the boat sank if you see the boat sunk
by Evil Pregnant Master on November 1st, 2009
the boat sunk
by Jack wears love COAT on November 2nd, 2009
Does it matter? C'mon... get some help guys!! :)
by dpfaloona on June 4th, 2010
Either word can be used as they are both the past tense of sink.
Where as the past participle of sink is sunken and never sanken but, that's a bit obvious as there is no such word as sanken.
In day to day use one would normally refer to a sunken ship not a sank ship.
That's as clear as mud to me ;-0
Damian in Hertford, just North of London, England
Which is correct grammar - do you put his or him before a verb?
by Answerbag Staff on July 12th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
Is pair singular or plural?
by Answerbag Staff on July 7th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
What is the most frequently spoken word used in the English language?
by Answerbag Staff on July 10th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
"Boffins" Why are so many (even non British) media using the term to describe scientists? Are you familiar with the word?
by 'Chengdu on December 15th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Is the sentence in the description gramatically correct?
by KATTALNUVA on January 8th, 2012
| 3 people like this
You're reading Which is correct usage: the boat sank or the boat sunk?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments
Thanks Gene.
by keithold is a prodigal bagger on November 1st, 2009