Sank vs Sinked: Similarities, Differences, and Proper Use

Have you ever found yourself confused between the words sank and sinked? You’re not alone! Many people use these two words interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and when to use each one.

The proper word to use is “sank.” This is the past tense of the verb “sink.” When something sinks, it moves downward in water or another liquid. For example, “The ship sank to the bottom of the ocean.” On the other hand, “sinked” is not a proper word. It is considered nonstandard and should be avoided in formal writing.

Now that we’ve clarified the difference between “sank” and “sinked,” let’s dive deeper into when to use each word.

Define Sank

Sank is the past tense of the verb sink, which means to descend or fall to the bottom of a body of water or other liquid. It can also refer to something that has become submerged or engulfed in water, or to a feeling of despair or hopelessness.

Define Sinked

Sinked is not a recognized word in standard English. The correct past tense of sink is sank. However, sinked is sometimes used in non-standard or informal contexts, particularly in American English.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

As a writer, it is important to use the correct form of a word to convey your message accurately. In this section, we will discuss the proper usage of the words sank and sinked.

How To Use Sank In A Sentence

The word sank is the past tense of the verb sink, which means to descend or go down below the surface of a liquid or soft substance. Here are some examples of how to use sank in a sentence:

• The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, after hitting an iceberg.
• The boat sank to the bottom of the lake.
• The weight of the cargo caused the ship to sink.
• He sank his teeth into the juicy steak.

It is important to note that sank is used when referring to the past tense of the verb sink. It should not be used in the present tense or future tense.

How To Use Sinked In A Sentence

Sinked is not a proper word in the English language. The correct past tense of the verb sink is sank. Using sinked instead of sank is a common mistake, but it should be avoided in formal writing.

It is important to proofread your writing to ensure that you have used the correct form of the word sink. If you are unsure, you can always consult a dictionary or grammar guide.

Remember, using the correct form of a word is essential for clear communication and effective writing.

More Examples Of Sank & Sinked Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the correct usage of sank and sinked, it’s important to see them in context. Here are some examples of how they can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Sank In A Sentence

• The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.
• The ship sank to the bottom of the ocean.
• The weight of the cargo caused the boat to sink.
• The submarine sank to a depth of 500 meters.
• The old wooden boat sank slowly into the water.
• The anchor was so heavy that it sank to the ocean floor.
• The ice on the lake was thin and the car sank through the surface.
• The boat hit a rock and sank within minutes.
• The enemy ship sank after being hit by a torpedo.
• The captain ordered the crew to abandon ship before it sank.

Examples Of Using Sinked In A Sentence

• The diver sinked to the bottom of the ocean to retrieve the lost treasure.
• The weight of the cargo caused the boat to sinked lower in the water.
• The ship sinked slowly into the water as it took on more weight.
• The submarine sinked to a depth of 500 meters before resurfacing.
• The old wooden boat sinked lower and lower in the water as it took on water.
• The anchor was so heavy that it sinked to the ocean floor quickly.
• The ice on the lake was thin and the car sinked through the surface rapidly.
• The boat hit a rock and sinked within minutes, leaving the crew stranded.
• The enemy ship sinked after being hit by a barrage of missiles.
• The captain ordered the crew to abandon ship before it sinked completely.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using sank and sinked, there are common mistakes that people make by using these two words interchangeably. However, these mistakes can lead to confusion and miscommunication. In this section, we will highlight these common mistakes and provide explanations of why they are incorrect. We will also offer tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.

Using Sank And Sinked Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using sank and sinked interchangeably. Although both words refer to the act of descending or falling to the bottom of a body of water, they are not interchangeable.

The word sank is the past tense of sink, while sinked is not a word in the English language. Therefore, using sinked instead of sank is incorrect and can make your writing or speech sound unprofessional.

For example, saying “The ship sinked to the bottom of the ocean” is incorrect. The correct way to say it is “The ship sank to the bottom of the ocean.”

Tips To Avoid Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, it’s important to remember the proper usage of sank and sinked. Here are some tips to help you use these words correctly:

• Remember that sank is the past tense of sink.
• Avoid using sinked as it is not a word in the English language.
• Proofread your writing to ensure that you have used the correct word.

By following these tips, you can avoid making mistakes and ensure that your writing or speech is clear and professional.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “sank” and “sinked”, context plays a crucial role. The decision to use one over the other is not always straightforward and can depend on the specific context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Consider the following examples:

Context	Example Sentence	Correct Usage
Past Tense of “Sink”	The ship sank to the bottom of the ocean.	“Sank” is the correct past tense form of “sink”.
Present Tense of “Sink”	The ship is starting to sink.	“Sink” is the correct present tense form of “sink”.
Transitive Verb	He sank the ball into the hole.	“Sank” is the correct form of the transitive verb “sink”.
Intransitive Verb	The boat sank slowly into the water.	“Sank” is the correct form of the intransitive verb “sink”.
Regional Differences	The boat sinked slowly into the water.	“Sinked” is a non-standard form of the past tense of “sink” that is used in some regional dialects.

As the examples demonstrate, the choice between “sank” and “sinked” can vary depending on the context in which they are used. It is important to understand the specific context in order to choose the correct form.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the general rules for using sank and sinked are straightforward, there are a few exceptions where these rules may not apply. In these cases, it is important to understand the context and usage of these words to avoid any confusion or miscommunication.

1. Regional Differences

One exception to the rules for using sank and sinked is regional differences in language usage. In some parts of the English-speaking world, one form may be preferred over the other, or both forms may be used interchangeably. For example, in British English, the past tense of sink is usually sank, while in American English, both sank and sunk are commonly used.

2. Nautical Terminology

Another exception to the rules for using sank and sinked is in nautical terminology. In this context, the use of sank and sunk may depend on the type of vessel and the circumstances of the sinking. For instance, in maritime law, the term “foundered” is used to describe a vessel that has sunk due to flooding, while “wrecked” is used to describe a vessel that has sunk due to other causes such as collision or grounding.

3. Figurative Language

Finally, an exception to the rules for using sank and sinked is in the realm of figurative language. In these cases, sank and sunk may be used metaphorically to describe a range of situations beyond the literal sinking of a physical object. For example, one might say that their hopes sank when they received bad news, or that a business venture they invested in has sunk without a trace.

Examples of Figurative Language Usage

Example	Usage
“His heart sank when he saw the damage.”	Metaphorical usage to describe a feeling of disappointment or despair.
“The stock market sank after the news was announced.”	Metaphorical usage to describe a decline in value or performance.
“The ship sank without a trace.”	Literal usage to describe a physical sinking of a vessel.

Overall, while the rules for using sank and sinked are generally straightforward, it is important to be aware of any exceptions to these rules that may arise in different contexts and situations.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of sank and sinked is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with the correct form of sank or sinked:

1. The ship __________ in the stormy sea.
2. She __________ the ball into the basket.
3. The Titanic __________ after hitting an iceberg.
4. The weight __________ to the bottom of the pool.
5. The sunken ship was __________ by divers.

Answer Key:

1. sank
2. sank
3. sank
4. sank
5. sunk

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Form

Choose the correct form of sank or sinked to complete the sentence:

1. The boat __________ to the bottom of the lake. (sank/sinked)
2. The anchor __________ to the ocean floor. (sank/sunk)
3. The ship __________ on its maiden voyage. (sank/sunk)
4. The weight __________ to the bottom of the pool. (sank/sunk)
5. The Titanic __________ on April 15, 1912. (sank/sunked)

Answer Key:

1. sank
2. sank
3. sank
4. sunk
5. sank

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of sank and sinked in sentences. Keep in mind that sank is the past tense of sink and is used for actions that happened in the past, while sunk is the past participle of sink and is used with the auxiliary verb “have” to form the present perfect and past perfect tenses.

Conclusion

After analyzing the usage of “sank” and “sinked,” it is clear that “sank” is the correct past tense form of “sink.” However, due to the common usage of “sinked” in certain dialects and informal settings, it is important to be aware of its incorrectness in formal writing and speech.

It is crucial to pay attention to proper grammar and language use in order to effectively communicate ideas and convey professionalism. By continuing to learn and improve our language skills, we can enhance our communication abilities and succeed in various aspects of life.