Swing, Swang, or Swung: What’s the Correct Past Tense of Swing?

Have you ever found yourself second-guessing whether it’s “swang” or “swung” when talking about the past? You’re not alone. The verb conjugation of swing trips up even native speakers. While “swang” might sound fun or old-timey, it’s rarely the right choice in modern grammar. According to standard English verb forms, the correct past tense of “swing” is “swung”—not “swang.” So, if you swung on a rope swing yesterday, you got it right.

Let’s break it down with a bit of grammar. Swing is one of those tricky irregular verbs in English, which means it doesn’t follow the typical -ed rule. Instead, its past simple and past participle are both “swung.” That means you’d say, “He swung the bat,” not “He swang the bat.” The swing tense explanation in most grammar books clarifies that while “swang” appeared in older English, it’s considered nonstandard today. So, if you’re writing or speaking in a modern context, stick with “swung.”

Still confused? Try using a verb tense chart for swing or looking at more swing verb examples in real sentences. These tools help you spot the difference between swang and swung clearly. Whether you’re learning English or just brushing up, avoiding common verb mistakes like this can make your grammar sound polished. Remember: in standard usage, “I swung by the store” is spot-on, but “I swang by the store” might raise some eyebrows!

Quick Answer: What Is the Past Tense of Swing?

The correct past tense of “swing” is “swung.”
That’s it. No debate.

Even though “swang” might sound familiar or pop up in songs, it’s not standard English.

Examples:

•  Correct: She swung the bat with force.
•  Incorrect: She swang the bat with force.

“Swang is an old form that’s mostly outdated. Swung is the only correct choice today.” — Merriam-Webster Dictionary

What Makes English Irregular Verbs So Confusing?

English has regular verbs and irregular verbs. That’s where the trouble starts.

Regular Verbs:

These are easy. Just add “-ed” for the past tense.

• Talk → Talked
• Paint → Painted

Irregular Verbs:

These don’t follow the rules. They change completely.

• Begin → Began
• Go → Went
• Swing → Swung

You can’t guess these. You just have to know them, and that’s what makes “swing” tricky.

Swing vs. Swung vs. Swang

Why Do People Use “Swang”?

Some people use swang because it feels like it fits. It sounds like sing/sang or ring/rang.

Sometimes you’ll see swang in:

• Old poems
• Song lyrics
• Dialect or slang (especially in the American South)

Example:

He swang across the river like Tarzan.

Sounds fun. But it’s not grammatically correct in today’s English.

Why “Swung” Is the Right Choice

Swung is accepted in:

• Formal writing
• Casual conversation
• Schools, newspapers, and grammar books

It’s listed in all major dictionaries as the past tense of “swing.”

How to Pronounce “Swing” and “Swung”

Here’s how each form sounds:

Word	Sounds Like	Rhymes With
Swing	“swing”	King, Ring
Swung	“swung”	Hung, Sung

Tip: The “u” in “swung” sounds like the vowel in sun, cup, or fun.

There’s no real difference between British and American pronunciation here—they sound mostly the same.

What Does “Swing” Mean?

The word “swing” has several meanings. It can be used literally or figuratively.

Literal meanings:

• To move back and forth: The child swings on the playground.
• To hit with force: He swung the bat hard.
• To hang or dangle: The sign swung in the wind.

Figurative meanings:

• Mood swings – when your emotions change suddenly
• Swing vote – a deciding vote in politics
• Swing by – to drop in or visit quickly

Swing is a flexible verb, used in sports, politics, daily conversation, and even moods.

Conjugation Table for “Swing”

Here’s a helpful chart:

Tense	Form	Example
Present	swing	I swing my arms when I walk.
Past	swung	She swung the door open.
Past Participle	swung	They have swung from joy to frustration.
Present Participle	swinging	The kids are swinging on the ropes.
Third Person Present	swings	He swings easily in the hammock.

Notice: “Swung” is used in both past and perfect tenses. “Swang” doesn’t appear at all.

Examples: Using “Swing” and “Swung” in Sentences

Using “Swing” (Present Tense):

• I always swing by the store after work.
• He swings the golf club like a pro.
• The chandelier swings slightly when the wind blows.

Using “Swung” (Past Tense):

• She swung the hammer with both hands.
• The door swung open slowly.
• He swung by the office on his way home.

Where Did “Swing” Come From?

Here’s a quick look at the word’s roots:

• Old English: swingan – to beat, whip, rush
• Proto-Germanic: swingwan – to swing or strike
• Old Norse: sveigja – to bend or move
  

Originally, “swing” had violent or forceful meanings. Over time, it also came to mean movement and rhythm.

Synonyms for “Swing” and “Swung”

Want to say something other than “swing” or “swung”? Try these.

Synonyms for “Swing”:

• Rock
• Sway
• Dangle
• Pivot
• Oscillate

Synonyms for “Swung”:

• Flung
• Twisted
• Swiveled
• Hurled
• Arched

These aren’t always perfect substitutes, but they can add variety to your writing.

Is “Swang” Ever Acceptable?

Sometimes, yes—but only in poetry, songs, or older literature.

Examples:

• Folk songs: “He swang low…”
• Novels from the 1800s
• Dialect: “He swang by the house last night.”

In modern writing, especially anything formal, don’t use “swang.” It’s outdated and incorrect.

Grammar Tips for Using “Swung”

Let’s fix some common mistakes.

Incorrect:

•  “He has swang the bat.”
• “They had swinged it too far.”

Correct:

• “He has swung the bat.”
•  “They had swung it too far.”

Remember: “Swung” is used with “has,” “have,” and “had.”

Phrases and Idioms That Use “Swing”

Here are some fun and useful expressions:

Phrase	Meaning
In full swing	At the peak of activity or excitement
Swing by	To stop by briefly
Swing vote	A vote that decides an election
Mood swings	Rapid changes in emotion
Take a swing	Try something, or literally hit

These are great for everyday conversation and writing.

Final Thoughts: Drop “Swang,” Stick With “Swung”

In the end, when it comes to the correct past tense of “swing”, the answer is simple: “swung” is right, and “swang” is outdated or nonstandard. Whether you’re writing a story or chatting with friends, using the proper verb conjugation of swing helps you sound more natural and confident. So next time you’re thinking back on a fun day at the park, remember—it’s “I swung on the swing,” not “I swang.” Grammar doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you’ve got the right verb forms in your corner!

FAQs About Swing, Swang, and Swung

What is the past tense of “swing”?

The correct past tense is “swung.”

Is “swang” ever correct?

Only in old texts or poetry. It’s not used in standard English today.

How do you pronounce “swung”?

Like “hung” or “sung.” It rhymes with those.

Can I say “has swang”?

No. Say “has swung.”

Is “swinged” a word?

No. That’s never been correct. Always use “swung.”