Sprang vs. Sprung: Difference Explained (Helpful Examples)

The past tense of “spring” isn’t quite as complicated as it may seem. Whilst two different forms exist, it is fairly simply to separate the two, with a little help. Reading this article should make solving the two different meanings easy.

Sprang or Sprung: Which is Correct?

“Sprang” is the past tense of the verb “to spring”. On the other hand, “sprung” is the past participle of the same verb. Both forms are correct, and as readers and writers we can use either, determined by the sentence. Remember, “Sprung” only makes sense after a verb, like “have”.

• The grey mouse sprang out of the dark hole in the garden!
• Our old tap has sprung a leak!

When is “Sprang” Correct?

The word “Sprang” is an example of the past tense. This is the most simple past tense form to use in a sentence.

“Sprang” is correct when discussing the action of “springing” in the past. So, “sprang” is the past tense of the word “spring”. This past tense is useful when we think back to a time when something “sprang”. This works for memories and reflections.

Example sentences using “Sprang”

Here are some examples to show you how to use “Sprang” in your own sentences:

• She sprang up from the bed to answer the door at the sound of the sharp knock.
• Touching his cold hand, she sprang back in shock and dismay.
• The rabbits sprang into the flowering bush to escape from the large dog.
• During the argument, Harry sprang to Julie’s defence because the situation was unfair.
• Tears sprang to her eyes at the end of the movie, because it was very sad.
• She sprang up the stairs at the sound of the shrill, loud alarm.
• He sprang to life at the sound of her voice; a voice he had missed.
• The child sprang up the lane to see her grandmother after so many weeks.
• The kittens sprang from the basket at the sound of milk being poured into the dish.
• He sprang back, furious at her for being so late after several warnings about the issue of timekeeping.

When is “Sprung” Correct?

“Sprung” is the past tense and past participle of “spring”. This word is a little more tricky to work out than the simple past tense. ‘Sprung” is only correct to use when an auxiliary verb is included in the sentence. An example of an auxiliary verb is “have”.

Why not use a verb like “have” to make the phrase into “have sprung”. This is the present perfect tense.

As you can see, we can use the word “sprung” in the past, present and future:

• Past perfect: Had sprung
• Present perfect: Have sprung
• Future perfect: Will have sprung

Note that the verb form of “sprung” does not change in past, present or future perfect tense.

Example Sentences Using “Sprung”

To make this section more simple, we have included examples for each of the three perfect tenses: past, present and future. This should help you understand how each of them works.

Past Perfect

• She had sprung from her hiding place before he could catch her.
• The frog had sprung from the shallow pond to the pebbled path.

“Had sprung” is useful when talking or writing about something or someone “springing” in the past. This is a memory. Usually, this happens before something else happened in the past, and so the past perfect tense can help to make a sequence of events more clear.

Present Perfect

• Flowers have sprung from the lush green lawn because the sun is shining brightly.
• A street of new houses have sprung up near the busy town centre.

You should use “have sprung” when talking about someone or something “springing” in the past, as a memory. However, this is not the end of the “springing” movement. The action of springing could continue into now, or end, depending on how the words “have sprung” apply to the relevant sentence.

Future Perfect

• They will have sprung for their beds before you get home!
• The long grasses will have sprung up in the park beside the playground soon.

The phrase “will have sprung” makes sense when someone will “spring” in the future. This action has not happened yet, but there is an expectation that it will happen.

How “Sprung” can also be used as an adjective

In case you didn’t already know, as well as being a verb, “Sprung” can also work as an adjective in a sentence. An adjective is a describing word, It is a word that describes a noun.

When describing something as “sprung”, it may be fitted with springs. The word “sprung” could be applied to a sentence involving a mattress. So, a “sprung mattress” is a mattress fitted with springs.

A few common adjective phrases using the word “sprung” are “self-sprung” and “un-sprung”.

Example sentences using “Sprung” as an adjective

• John’s new sprung mattress was the best in the shop.
• The sprung weight of the car was heavier than expected.
• The sprung base of the bed made sleeping very comfortable.

“Have Sprang” Vs “Have Sprung”

Using the examples in the sections above, hopefully it is clear that “Have sprung” is correct to say and write. This is a commonly used phrase to use in the present perfect tense. But the phrase “Have sprang” is worth thinking about too.

The words “Have sprang” are incorrect. In contrast to the more simple past tense, the past participle must be “sprung”. Only the words “have sprung” are correct.

Consider these examples to help you to understand and remember this rule:

• Correct: New weeds have sprung up in the garden.
• Incorrect: New weeds have sprang up in the garden.

Final Thoughts

“Sprang” and “Sprung” are forms of the past tense of “to spring” that can be used in sentences. We’ve learnt that “Sprang” is the past tense, whilst “Sprung” is the past participle. It’s important to use auxiliary verbs with “Sprung” when using the perfect tense so that sentences make sense.

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