Struck vs. Stricken: Mastering the Past Tense of ‘Strike’
Understanding the past tense and past participle forms of irregular verbs like “strike” can be challenging for English language learners. The words “struck” and “stricken” both derive from “strike,” but they have distinct uses and meanings. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you differentiate between “struck” and “stricken,” ensuring you use them correctly in your writing and speech. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who wants to improve their English grammar, this guide will provide clear explanations, examples, and practice exercises to master this tricky aspect of English.
By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of when to use “struck” and when to use “stricken,” enabling you to communicate more effectively and confidently.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of ‘Strike,’ ‘Struck,’ and ‘Stricken’
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Usage
- Examples of ‘Struck’ and ‘Stricken’
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of ‘Strike,’ ‘Struck,’ and ‘Stricken’
To understand the difference between “struck” and “stricken,” it’s essential to first define the verb “strike” and its various forms.
Strike: The verb “strike” has several meanings, including to hit forcefully, to delete something, to discover something (like gold), or to affect someone suddenly, often in a negative way. It is an irregular verb, meaning its past tense and past participle forms do not follow the standard “-ed” ending.
Struck: “Struck” is the simple past tense and the past participle of “strike” in most contexts. It’s used when referring to a single instance of striking or being struck. It commonly appears as the past tense for physical impacts, sudden realizations, or when something is deleted or removed.
Stricken: “Stricken” is primarily used as a past participle, often in more formal or literary contexts. It typically describes someone or something that has been severely affected, usually by illness, misfortune, or strong emotion. It often carries a sense of being overwhelmed or deeply affected.
In summary, “struck” is the more common past tense and past participle, while “stricken” is a specialized past participle indicating a state of being severely affected.
Structural Breakdown
Understanding the grammatical structure of “strike,” “struck,” and “stricken” helps clarify their usage.
Base Form: Strike
Simple Past Tense: Struck
Past Participle: Struck (general use), Stricken (specific use – severely affected)
The past participle forms are used in perfect tenses (e.g., has struck, had struck, has been struck) and passive voice constructions (e.g., was struck, had been struck, was stricken).
Here’s a breakdown:
- Active Voice: He struck the ball. (Simple Past)
- Passive Voice (general): The ball was struck by him. (Past Participle – Struck)
- Passive Voice (affected): The village was stricken by famine. (Past Participle – Stricken)
- Perfect Tense (general): He has struck the ball many times. (Past Participle – Struck)
- Perfect Tense (affected): She has been stricken with grief. (Past Participle – Stricken)
The key difference lies in the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. “Struck” is the default past participle, while “stricken” is reserved for situations involving significant affliction or impact.
Types and Categories of Usage
The use of “struck” and “stricken” can be categorized based on the context and meaning.
Struck: Common Usages
- Physical Impact: When something physically hits something else.
- Sudden Realization: When an idea or thought suddenly comes to mind.
- Deletion/Removal: When something is removed or crossed out.
- Time/Clock: Indicating the time a clock chimes.
Stricken: Specific Usages
- Illness/Disease: When someone is severely affected by an illness.
- Misfortune/Disaster: When a community or individual is affected by a disaster or misfortune.
- Emotionally Affected: When someone is deeply affected by strong emotions such as grief, fear, or despair.
These categories provide a guideline for understanding when each form is appropriate. However, context is always crucial. The next section provides extensive examples to illustrate these usages.
Examples of ‘Struck’ and ‘Stricken’
To fully grasp the difference between “struck” and “stricken,” it’s helpful to examine a wide range of examples. The following tables provide examples of each word in various contexts.
Examples of ‘Struck’
The following table provides 30 examples of the word “struck” in various contexts, including physical impact, sudden realization, deletion/removal, and time/clock references.
| Category | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Physical Impact | The car struck a tree during the storm. |
| Physical Impact | He struck the nail with the hammer. |
| Physical Impact | Lightning struck the tallest building in the city. |
| Physical Impact | The boxer struck his opponent with a powerful jab. |
| Physical Impact | A stray bullet struck the window. |
| Physical Impact | The ship struck an iceberg. |
| Physical Impact | She struck a match to light the candle. |
| Sudden Realization | It struck me that I had forgotten my keys. |
| Sudden Realization | A brilliant idea struck her in the middle of the night. |
| Sudden Realization | The realization struck him that he was alone. |
| Sudden Realization | It suddenly struck me how much I missed my family. |
| Sudden Realization | The solution to the problem struck him unexpectedly. |
| Deletion/Removal | The clause was struck from the contract. |
| Deletion/Removal | His name was struck off the list. |
| Deletion/Removal | The offensive words were struck from the manuscript. |
| Deletion/Removal | The incorrect information was struck from the record. |
| Deletion/Removal | The judge ordered the testimony to be struck from the record. |
| Time/Clock | The clock struck midnight. |
| Time/Clock | The bell struck noon. |
| Time/Clock | The tower clock struck the hour. |
| Time/Clock | Big Ben struck eight. |
| Time/Clock | The grandfather clock struck ten. |
| Figurative (Impact) | His words struck a chord with the audience. |
| Figurative (Impact) | The news struck fear into their hearts. |
| Figurative (Impact) | Her performance struck me as incredibly moving. |
| Figurative (Impact) | The poverty of the region struck him deeply. |
| Figurative (Impact) | The severity of the situation struck them all. |
| General Past Tense | He struck out in the baseball game. |
| General Past Tense | She struck a deal with the company. |
| General Past Tense | The workers struck for better wages. |
The above table illustrates the versatile use of “struck” in various contexts, emphasizing its role as the general past tense and past participle of “strike.”
Examples of ‘Stricken’
The following table provides 30 examples of the word “stricken” in contexts related to illness/disease, misfortune/disaster, and emotional impact.
| Category | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Illness/Disease | He was stricken with a rare disease. |
| Illness/Disease | The village was stricken by a terrible plague. |
| Illness/Disease | She has been stricken with pneumonia. |
| Illness/Disease | Many people were stricken with the flu that winter. |
| Illness/Disease | The family was stricken with grief after the loss. |
| Illness/Disease | He was suddenly stricken by a debilitating illness. |
| Illness/Disease | The athlete was stricken with a career-ending injury. |
| Misfortune/Disaster | The town was stricken by a devastating earthquake. |
| Misfortune/Disaster | The community was stricken by the flood. |
| Misfortune/Disaster | The region was stricken by famine. |
| Misfortune/Disaster | The coastal areas were stricken by the tsunami. |
| Misfortune/Disaster | The country was stricken by a severe economic crisis. |
| Misfortune/Disaster | The family was stricken by a series of unfortunate events. |
| Misfortune/Disaster | The city was stricken by a major power outage. |
| Emotionally Affected | She was stricken with grief after her husband’s death. |
| Emotionally Affected | He was stricken with remorse for his actions. |
| Emotionally Affected | They were stricken with fear at the sight of the monster. |
| Emotionally Affected | She was stricken with guilt over her mistake. |
| Emotionally Affected | The children were stricken with sadness when their pet died. |
| Emotionally Affected | He was stricken with a sense of hopelessness. |
| Figurative (Severe Impact) | The project was stricken with problems from the start. |
| Figurative (Severe Impact) | The company was stricken with internal conflicts. |
| Figurative (Severe Impact) | The relationship was stricken with mistrust and suspicion. |
| Figurative (Severe Impact) | The negotiations were stricken with setbacks. |
| Figurative (Severe Impact) | The production was stricken with delays and cost overruns. |
| Formal/Literary | A stricken look crossed his face. |
| Formal/Literary | The stricken land struggled to recover. |
| Formal/Literary | The stricken city mourned its losses. |
| Formal/Literary | A stricken silence fell over the room. |
| Formal/Literary | He presented a stricken figure. |
This table highlights the specialized usage of “stricken” to describe situations of severe affliction, misfortune, or emotional distress. Notice the heightened sense of impact compared to the examples using “struck.”
Usage Rules
Here are the key rules to remember when using “struck” and “stricken”:
- Use “struck” for general past tense and past participle: This includes physical impacts, sudden realizations, deletion/removal, and time references.
- Use “stricken” to describe severe affliction: This typically involves illness, misfortune, disaster, or deep emotional distress.
- Consider the context: The context of the sentence will often dictate which form is more appropriate.
- “Stricken” often implies a passive state: The subject is being acted upon and is suffering as a result.
Exceptions and Special Cases:
- There are very few exceptions to these rules. The distinction between general impact (“struck”) and severe affliction (“stricken”) is generally consistent.
- In very formal or literary writing, “stricken” might be used more broadly to add emphasis, but this is rare.
By adhering to these rules, you can ensure accurate and effective communication.
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is using “stricken” when “struck” is more appropriate. For example:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The ball was stricken by the bat. | The ball was struck by the bat. | “Struck” is used for physical impact. |
| It stricken me that I had forgotten my wallet. | It struck me that I had forgotten my wallet. | “Struck” is used for sudden realizations. |
| His name was stricken off the list for being sick. | His name was struck off the list for being sick. | “Struck” is used for deletion. “Stricken” would imply he was severely ill because of the list. |
| The clock stricken midnight. | The clock struck midnight. | “Struck” is used for time references. |
| She was struck with grief after her dog died. | She was stricken with grief after her dog died. | “Stricken” is more appropriate here because it indicates a deep emotional impact. |
Another mistake is using “struck” when “stricken” is needed to convey the severity of a situation:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The village was struck by famine. | The village was stricken by famine. | “Stricken” emphasizes the severe suffering caused by the famine. |
| He was struck with a terrible disease. | He was stricken with a terrible disease. | “Stricken” highlights the severe impact of the disease. |
Paying attention to the context and the intended meaning will help you avoid these common errors.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with the following practice exercises. Choose the correct word, “struck” or “stricken,” to complete each sentence.
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Word
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The ship was ______ by a rogue wave. | struck |
| 2. She was ______ with a sudden illness while traveling. | stricken |
| 3. It ______ me that I had never seen the ocean before. | struck |
| 4. The town was ______ by a devastating hurricane. | stricken |
| 5. The clock ______ twelve, signaling the end of the year. | struck |
| 6. He was ______ with remorse after realizing his mistake. | stricken |
| 7. The old building was ______ by lightning during the thunderstorm. | struck |
| 8. Her name was ______ from the list of candidates. | struck |
| 9. They were ______ with fear when they heard the news. | stricken |
| 10. The baseball player ______ the ball out of the park. | struck |
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. After the accident, he was ______ with grief. | stricken |
| 2. The idea ______ her while she was taking a shower. | struck |
| 3. The community was ______ by a severe economic downturn. | stricken |
| 4. The hammer ______ the nail squarely on the head. | struck |
| 5. The witness was ______ with terror during the crime. | stricken |
| 6. The soldier was ______ by shrapnel. | struck |
| 7. It ______ me as odd that he didn’t say hello. | struck |
| 8. The area was ______ with drought for several years. | stricken |
| 9. The hour ______ and the meeting began. | struck |
| 10. The committee decided to have the amendment ______ from the bill. | struck |
Exercise 3: Correct the Sentence
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Question | Answer | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The town was strucken by poverty. | stricken | The town was stricken by poverty. |
| 2. The golfer stricken the ball with great force. | struck | The golfer struck the ball with great force. |
| 3. She was strucken with a terrible cold. | stricken | She was stricken with a terrible cold. |
| 4. A thought stricken him suddenly. | struck | A thought struck him suddenly. |
| 5. The contract was stricken after negotiations failed. | struck | The contract was struck after negotiations failed. |
| 6. The old church was stricken by lightning. | struck | The old church was struck by lightning. |
| 7. They were stricken with surprise at the unexpected news. | stricken | They were stricken with surprise at the unexpected news. |
| 8. The clock stricken five o’clock. | struck | The clock struck five o’clock. |
| 9. The family was strucken with a terrible tragedy. | stricken | The family was stricken with a terrible tragedy. |
| 10. He stricken the table in anger. | struck | He struck the table in anger. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider the nuances of “stricken” in literary contexts. Authors often use “stricken” to evoke a sense of pathos or to emphasize the severity of a character’s suffering. For example:
“The stricken hero wandered through the battlefield, a shadow of his former self.”
Here, “stricken” adds a layer of emotional depth, conveying the hero’s profound suffering beyond mere physical injury.
Additionally, explore the etymology of “strike” and its related words. Understanding the historical roots of these words can provide further insight into their meanings and usages.
Finally, analyze how different dialects of English might use “struck” and “stricken” slightly differently. While the general rules apply across most dialects, regional variations may exist.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about “struck” and “stricken”:
- Is “stricken” always used in a negative context?
Yes, “stricken” almost always implies a negative impact, whether it’s illness, misfortune, or emotional distress. It conveys a sense of being severely affected.
- Can I use “stricken” to describe a minor inconvenience?
No, “stricken” is too strong for minor inconveniences. It suggests a significant and often debilitating impact. Use “struck” or another more appropriate word instead.
- Is it ever correct to use “stricken” in the active voice?
While rare, “stricken” can occasionally be used in the active voice, but it’s usually in a formal or literary context. For example: “A look of anguish stricken his face.” However, the passive voice is far more common.
- How do I remember when to use “struck” versus “stricken”?
Think of “stricken” as relating to situations where someone or something is deeply and negatively affected, often to the point of being overwhelmed. “Struck” is used for everything else.
- Are there any synonyms for “stricken” that I can use?
Synonyms for “stricken” include afflicted, devastated, overwhelmed, and plagued. The best synonym will depend on the specific context.
- Can “stricken” be used metaphorically?
Yes, “stricken” can be used metaphorically to describe situations that are severely impacted by problems or difficulties. For example, “The project was stricken with setbacks.”
- Is “struck down” the same as “stricken”?
“Struck down” often implies a sudden and forceful action that incapacitates someone, similar to “stricken,” but can also refer to being killed. “Stricken,” however, focuses more on the resulting state of suffering or affliction.
- What is the origin of the word “stricken”?
The word “stricken” comes from the Old English word “strīcan,” meaning “to stroke, rub, or sharpen.” Over time, it evolved to mean “to hit” and eventually acquired the sense of being severely affected.
Conclusion
Mastering the difference between “struck” and “stricken” enhances the precision and clarity of your writing. While “struck” serves as the general past tense and past participle of “strike,” “stricken” specifically denotes a state of being severely affected by illness, misfortune, or emotional distress. By understanding these nuances and practicing their usage, you can confidently navigate this tricky aspect of English grammar.
Remember to consider the context and intended meaning when choosing between these two words. With practice, you’ll develop an intuitive understanding of when to use each form, allowing you to communicate more effectively and eloquently. Keep practicing and refining your skills, and you’ll find yourself using “struck” and “stricken” with ease.
