sprang: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral, slightly more formal in narrative contexts
Quick answer
What does “sprang” mean?
past tense of 'spring': to move suddenly and quickly upward or forward, often by jumping or leaping.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
past tense of 'spring': to move suddenly and quickly upward or forward, often by jumping or leaping
to originate, emerge, or appear suddenly; to cause something to happen or appear quickly
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'sprang' is the overwhelmingly preferred simple past form. In US English, 'sprung' is also commonly used as the simple past, though 'sprang' remains standard in formal writing.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation. 'Sprang' may sound slightly more traditional or literary to some American ears.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English. In US English, 'sprung' as a simple past is more common in informal speech, potentially leading to ambiguity with the past participle.
Grammar
How to Use “sprang” in a Sentence
[Subject] sprang (intransitive)[Subject] sprang + prepositional phrase (e.g., into, from, to)[Subject] sprang + [Object] (transitive, e.g., a trap, a surprise)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sprang” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The goalkeeper sprang to his left and made a brilliant save.
- The idea for the novel sprang from a childhood memory.
American English
- He sprang out of his chair when he heard the news.
- New businesses sprang up all over the downtown area.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically to describe quick, decisive action: 'The team sprang into action to meet the deadline.'
Academic
Found in historical or descriptive narratives about origins and sudden developments: 'The protest movement sprang from widespread economic discontent.'
Everyday
Common in storytelling about physical movement or sudden events: 'The cat sprang onto the kitchen counter.'
Technical
In weaving, 'sprang' refers to a specific braiding technique. In mechanics, can describe sudden release or movement: 'The safety latch sprang open.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sprang”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sprang”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sprang”
- Using 'springed' as the past tense.
- Using 'sprang' as the past participle (e.g., 'I have sprang' is incorrect).
- Confusing 'sprang' with 'sprained' (a different word meaning injured a joint).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are used, but traditionally 'sprang' is the simple past tense ('He sprang into action'), while 'sprung' is the past participle used with auxiliaries ('He has sprung into action'). In US English, 'sprung' is often used informally for both.
Yes, but it is highly specialised. In textile arts, 'sprang' is a noun referring to a method of plaiting or interlacing threads.
Associate 'sprang' with other irregular past tenses that change an 'i' to an 'a' (sing/sang, ring/rang). Use 'sprung' when you need a past participle, typically with 'have', 'has', or 'had'.
No, the IPA transcription /spræŋ/ is standard for both. The 'a' is pronounced like the 'a' in 'trap'.
past tense of 'spring': to move suddenly and quickly upward or forward, often by jumping or leaping.
Sprang is usually neutral, slightly more formal in narrative contexts in register.
Sprang: in British English it is pronounced /spræŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /spræŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sprang to mind”
- “sprang into action”
- “sprang from nowhere”
- “sprang a leak”
- “sprang eternal (rare, from 'hope springs eternal')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sprang' as the past action of 'spring', just like 'rang' is to 'ring'. Both have the 'a' vowel change for the past tense.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUDDEN MOVEMENT IS A RELEASE OF STORED ENERGY (like a coiled spring); ORIGINS ARE BIRTHS/EMERGENCES (sprang from his imagination).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the standard simple past tense of the verb 'to spring'?