Sank vs Sinked
The Ultimate Spelling Guide: Understanding the Difference Between Correct and Incorrect Usage
Quick Answer
"Sinked" is always incorrect - remember "sank" is the past tense of "sink"!
Sinked
❌ INCORRECT
This spelling is never acceptable in English. It's a common mistake that should be avoided.
Sank
✅ CORRECT
This is the proper spelling meaning the past tense of "sink" or "to go down."
Understanding the Difference
"Sink" (Present)
- • Means "to go down"
- • Present tense verb
- • Base form of the word
- • Used for current action
"Sank" (Past)
- • Means "went down"
- • Past tense of "sink"
- • Irregular verb form
- • Used for past action
Common Mistake
- • People use "sinked"
- • "Sinked" is never correct
- • Always use "sank"
- • Follow irregular verb rules
Real-World Examples
✅ Correct Usage
"The ship sank in the storm."
"The ball sank into the water."
"The sun sank below the horizon."
"The building sank into the ground."
❌ Common Mistakes
"The ship sinked in the storm" ❌
Should be: "sank"
"The ball sinked into the water" ❌
Should be: "sank"
"The sun sinked below the horizon" ❌
Should be: "sank"
"The building sinked into the ground" ❌
Should be: "sank"
Memory Tricks & Tips
Irregular Verb
Sink is irregular: sink → sank → sunk
Think Short
"Sank" is shorter than "sinked"
Write It Out
Practice writing "sank" to build muscle memory
Proofread
Always double-check your spelling before submitting
Advanced Usage Patterns
Common Phrases
- • Sank like a stone - fell quickly
- • Sank into despair - became depressed
- • Sank to the bottom - fell completely
- • Sank without trace - disappeared completely
- • Sank into oblivion - was forgotten
- • Sank into the ground - settled down
Grammatical Functions
- • Past tense: "The ship sank"
- • Past participle: "The ship has sunk"
- • Intransitive: "The boat sank"
- • Transitive: "They sank the ship"
- • Metaphorical: "His spirits sank"
- • Literal: "The stone sank"
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do people use "sinked" instead of "sank"?
A: The confusion often stems from the fact that many English verbs follow the regular pattern of adding "ed" for past tense (like "walk" → "walked"). However, "sink" is an irregular verb that doesn't follow this pattern.
Q: Can "sank" be used in formal writing?
A: Absolutely! "Sank" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, academic papers, and professional communication. It's the standard past tense form of the verb "sink."
Q: What's the etymology of "sank"?
A: "Sank" comes from Old English "sanc" (past tense of "sincan"). The word has maintained its irregular conjugation throughout English history, following the pattern: sink → sank → sunk.
Q: Are there regional variations in usage?
A: No, "sank" is the standard past tense form across all English-speaking regions. The spelling "sinked" is never correct in any dialect or region.
Q: How can I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of "sank" as the short, correct form. Remember the pattern: "Sink" (present) → "Sank" (past) → "Sunk" (past participle). The word gets shorter, not longer!
Q: What are some synonyms for "sank"?
A: Common synonyms include: descended, dropped, fell, plunged, submerged, went down, and settled.
Q: Can "sank" be used metaphorically?
A: Yes! "Sank" is often used metaphorically to describe emotional states, such as "His spirits sank" or "Her heart sank," meaning feelings of disappointment or sadness.
Q: What's the difference between "sank" and "sunk"?
A: "Sank" is the simple past tense (used for completed actions), while "sunk" is the past participle (used with helping verbs like "have" or "had"). Example: "The ship sank" vs "The ship has sunk."
Key Takeaway
Always remember: "Sank" is the past tense of "sink."
"Sinked" is never correct in any context.
💡 Pro Tip: Think "SINK → SANK → SUNK"