Understanding the nuances of irregular verbs can be one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, aspects of learning English. The verb “strike,” with its various forms and meanings, is a perfect example. Knowing when to use “struck” versus “stricken” is crucial for clear and accurate communication. This article will delve deep into the past tense and past participle forms of “strike,” providing you with the knowledge and practice needed to use them confidently. This comprehensive guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, as well as native English speakers who wish to refine their grammar skills.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Strike”
- Structural Breakdown: Strike, Struck, Stricken
- Types and Categories of Usage
- Examples of “Strike,” “Struck,” and “Stricken”
- Usage Rules for “Struck” and “Stricken”
- Common Mistakes with “Struck” and “Stricken”
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of “Strike”
The verb “strike” is a versatile word with numerous meanings, ranging from physical impact to emotional effects and even the act of refusing to work. At its core, “strike” generally means to hit forcefully or to make a forceful impact. It can also mean to discover something unexpectedly, to remove something, or to affect someone suddenly and powerfully. Understanding these different facets of “strike” is crucial before delving into its past tense and past participle forms.
In a grammatical context, “strike” is an irregular verb. Irregular verbs do not follow the standard pattern of adding “-ed” to form the past tense and past participle. Instead, they have unique forms that must be memorized. “Strike” is a prime example of this irregularity, making it important to understand when and how to use “struck” and “stricken” correctly.
Structural Breakdown: Strike, Struck, Stricken
The verb “strike” has three principal parts: the base form (strike), the simple past tense (struck), and the past participle (struck or stricken). Let’s break down each form:
- Base Form: Strike (present tense, infinitive) – Example: I strike the ball.
- Simple Past Tense: Struck – Used to describe an action that happened at a specific time in the past. Example: He struck the table in anger.
- Past Participle: Struck – Used with auxiliary verbs (have, has, had, is, are, was, were, be, being, been) to form perfect tenses or in passive voice constructions. Example: The ball has struck the window.
- Past Participle: Stricken – Primarily used to indicate being affected by something negative, such as illness, grief, or misfortune. Example: The town was stricken by a terrible disease.
The key to mastering “strike” lies in recognizing the specific contexts in which “struck” and “stricken” are used as past participles. While “struck” is the more common past participle, “stricken” carries a unique connotation of being afflicted or overwhelmed.
Types and Categories of Usage
“Struck” as the Simple Past Tense
“Struck” as the simple past tense is straightforward. It describes a completed action in the past. The action denoted by “strike” occurred and finished at a specific point in time before now. There is no ambiguity in its usage, and it’s generally applicable across various meanings of “strike,” from physical impacts to sudden realizations.
“Struck” as the Past Participle
As a past participle, “struck” is used in perfect tenses (present perfect, past perfect, future perfect) and in passive voice constructions. It denotes an action that has been completed relative to a specific point in time. When used in the passive voice, it indicates that the subject of the sentence received the action of striking.
“Stricken” as the Past Participle
“Stricken” is more specialized. It’s typically used to describe someone or something that has been severely affected by a negative force, such as illness, disaster, or emotional distress. It often implies a state of helplessness or vulnerability as a result of being “stricken.” It’s important to note that “stricken” is not interchangeable with “struck” in most contexts.
Examples of “Strike,” “Struck,” and “Stricken”
To solidify your understanding, let’s look at a variety of examples showcasing the correct usage of “strike,” “struck,” and “stricken.” These examples are categorized to illustrate the different contexts in which each form is appropriately used.
Examples of “Struck”
The following table provides examples of “struck” used as both the simple past tense and the past participle. Notice how the context dictates the meaning and grammatical function of the word.
| Sentence | Part of Speech | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The clock struck noon. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of the clock chiming at noon. |
| He struck the match to light the candle. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of hitting the match. |
| She struck a deal with the company. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of reaching an agreement. |
| The idea struck me suddenly. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the sudden appearance of an idea. |
| The car struck a tree during the storm. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of the car hitting the tree. |
| I have struck gold! | Past Participle | Used with “have” in the present perfect tense. |
| The workers had struck a bargain before the deadline. | Past Participle | Used with “had” in the past perfect tense. |
| The ball was struck by the batter. | Past Participle | Used in a passive voice construction. |
| The image had struck him deeply. | Past Participle | Used with “had” in the past perfect tense. |
| The bell has struck several times this morning. | Past Participle | Used with “has” in the present perfect tense. |
| He struck out in the baseball game. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of being called out in baseball. |
| The jury struck down the law. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of invalidating or rejecting the law. |
| The hammer struck the nail squarely. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of the hammer hitting the nail. |
| The workers have struck for better wages. | Past Participle | Used with “have” in the present perfect tense, indicating a work stoppage. |
| She struck a match to light the campfire. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of lighting a match. |
| The lightning struck the tallest tree in the forest. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of lightning hitting the tree. |
| He struck a pose for the photographer. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of assuming a particular posture. |
| The company struck oil after years of searching. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of discovering oil. |
| The old building was struck by lightning last year. | Past Participle | Used in a passive voice construction. |
| The agreement had been struck after long negotiations. | Past Participle | Used with “had been” in the past perfect passive voice. |
| The committee struck the clause from the bill. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of removing a clause. |
| She struck a chord with the audience during her speech. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of resonating emotionally with the audience. |
| The evidence struck a blow to his credibility. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of negatively impacting his credibility. |
| The ship struck an iceberg during the voyage. | Simple Past Tense | Describes the action of the ship colliding with an iceberg. |
Examples of “Stricken”
The following table illustrates the use of “stricken” as a past participle, emphasizing its association with negative conditions or afflictions.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The village was stricken by famine. | Describes the village being severely affected by famine. |
| She was stricken with grief after the loss of her husband. | Describes her being overwhelmed by grief. |
| He was stricken with a sudden illness. | Describes him being suddenly affected by an illness. |
| The country was stricken by a devastating earthquake. | Describes the country being severely damaged by an earthquake. |
| They were stricken with fear when they saw the bear. | Describes them being overwhelmed by fear. |
| The family was stricken with poverty after the factory closed. | Describes the family being severely affected by poverty. |
| The community was stricken with despair after the tragedy. | Describes the community being overwhelmed by despair. |
| He was stricken with guilt over his past actions. | Describes him being overwhelmed by guilt. |
| The team was stricken with injuries before the playoffs. | Describes the team being severely affected by injuries. |
| The project was stricken with problems from the start. | Describes the project being plagued by problems. |
| The town was stricken by a severe economic downturn. | Describes the town being severely affected by economic hardship. |
| She was stricken with a sense of unease as she walked alone. | Describes her being overwhelmed by a feeling of unease. |
| He was stricken with remorse after making the wrong decision. | Describes him being overwhelmed by regret. |
| The region was stricken by drought for several years. | Describes the region being severely affected by a prolonged drought. |
| They were stricken with disbelief upon hearing the news. | Describes them being overwhelmed by disbelief. |
| The population was stricken by a mysterious disease. | Describes the population being severely afflicted by a disease. |
| She was stricken with a wave of nostalgia for her childhood. | Describes her being overwhelmed by nostalgic feelings. |
| He was stricken with stage fright before his performance. | Describes him being overwhelmed by stage fright. |
| The business was stricken by a sudden market crash. | Describes the business being severely affected by an economic downturn. |
| The soldiers were stricken with exhaustion after the long march. | Describes the soldiers being overwhelmed by extreme tiredness. |
| The city was stricken by a major power outage. | Describes the city being severely affected by a lack of electricity. |
| She was stricken with a feeling of helplessness in the face of the crisis. | Describes her being overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness. |
| He was stricken with envy when he saw his friend’s success. | Describes him being overwhelmed by jealousy. |
| The farm was stricken by a swarm of locusts. | Describes the farm being severely affected by a locust infestation. |
Usage Rules for “Struck” and “Stricken”
Here are the key rules to remember when using “struck” and “stricken”:
- “Struck” as the Past Tense: Use “struck” as the simple past tense in all contexts where “strike” refers to a past action of hitting, impacting, discovering, or removing.
- “Struck” as the Past Participle: Use “struck” as the past participle in perfect tenses and passive voice constructions when the action is a general instance of striking.
- “Stricken” as the Past Participle: Use “stricken” specifically to describe someone or something that has been severely affected by something negative, such as illness, disaster, or emotional distress.
- Context is Key: Always consider the context of the sentence to determine whether “struck” or “stricken” is the appropriate form.
Common Mistakes with “Struck” and “Stricken”
One of the most common mistakes is using “stricken” in contexts where “struck” is more appropriate. For example:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The ball was stricken by the batter. | The ball was struck by the batter. | “Struck” is the correct past participle in this context. |
| He had been stricken with the idea to start a business. | He had been struck with the idea to start a business. | “Struck” is used when an idea occurs suddenly. |
| The clock has stricken midnight. | The clock has struck midnight. | “Struck” is the correct past participle for the clock chiming. |
Another mistake is confusing the simple past tense (“struck”) with the past participle forms. Remember that the past participle requires an auxiliary verb.
Practice Exercises
Test your knowledge with these practice exercises. Choose the correct form of “strike” (strike, struck, or stricken) to complete each sentence.
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “strike.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The lightning _______ the tree in the backyard. | struck |
| 2. She was _______ with a sudden headache. | stricken |
| 3. The workers have _______ for better pay. | struck |
| 4. The clock _______ twelve times. | struck |
| 5. He was _______ by her beauty. | struck |
| 6. The town was _______ by a terrible flood. | stricken |
| 7. The jury _______ down the unconstitutional law. | struck |
| 8. The idea _______ him while he was driving. | struck |
| 9. She has been _______ with grief since her father passed away. | stricken |
| 10. The car _______ a deer on the highway. | struck |
Exercise 2: Choose the correct word from the options provided.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The ball was (struck/stricken) by the player. | struck |
| 2. He was (struck/stricken) with a rare disease. | stricken |
| 3. The workers (struck/stricken) a deal with the management. | struck |
| 4. They were (struck/stricken) with terror when they saw the snake. | stricken |
| 5. The hammer (struck/stricken) the nail squarely. | struck |
| 6. The country was (struck/stricken) by a severe economic crisis. | stricken |
| 7. The thought (struck/stricken) her suddenly. | struck |
| 8. The ship (struck/stricken) an iceberg. | struck |
| 9. She was (struck/stricken) with a sudden wave of sadness. | stricken |
| 10. The committee (struck/stricken) the irrelevant clause from the document. | struck |
Exercise 3: Rewrite the following sentences using the past participle form of “strike.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The disease affected the population severely. | The population was stricken by the disease. |
| 2. The batter hit the ball with great force. | The ball was struck by the batter with great force. |
| 3. An idea suddenly occurred to him. | He was struck by an idea. |
| 4. The earthquake devastated the city. | The city was stricken by the earthquake. |
| 5. The workers refused to work because of low wages. | The workers have struck because of low wages. |
| 6. The lightning hit the barn during the storm. | The barn was struck by lightning during the storm. |
| 7. She was suddenly overcome with fear. | She was stricken with fear. |
| 8. The negotiators reached an agreement after long talks. | An agreement was struck by the negotiators after long talks. |
| 9. A sense of unease suddenly came over him. | He was struck with a sense of unease. |
| 10. They removed the outdated rule from the books. | The outdated rule was struck from the books. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, it’s helpful to explore some more subtle nuances of “strike.” For instance, the phrasal verb “strike out” has specific meanings related to baseball and also to failing in general. Similarly, “strike up” can mean to begin a conversation or a musical performance.
Another advanced topic is the metaphorical use of “stricken.” While generally associated with negative conditions, it can sometimes be used in a more dramatic or poetic sense to describe being completely overcome by an emotion, even a positive one. However, this usage is less common and should be approached with caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the verb “strike”:
When should I use “struck” versus “stricken”?
Use “struck” as the simple past tense in all contexts where “strike” refers to a past action. As a past participle, use “struck” in perfect tenses and passive voice constructions for general instances of striking. Use “stricken” specifically to describe someone or something severely affected by something negative, such as illness, disaster, or emotional distress.
Can “stricken” be used in positive contexts?
While rare, “stricken” can occasionally be used metaphorically to describe being completely overcome by a strong emotion, even a positive one. However, this usage is uncommon and requires careful consideration of the context.
Is “stricken” used more in formal or informal writing?
“Stricken” tends to be used more in formal writing and speech. It conveys a sense of seriousness and severity that might not be appropriate in casual conversation.
What are some common collocations with “stricken”?
Common collocations with “stricken” include “stricken with grief,” “stricken with illness,” “stricken with fear,” and “stricken by poverty.” These phrases are frequently used to describe states of suffering or hardship.
How do I avoid making mistakes with “struck” and “stricken”?
Pay close attention to the context of the sentence. Ask yourself whether the sentence describes a general instance of striking or whether it describes someone or something being severely affected by a negative force. If it’s the latter, “stricken” is likely the correct choice.
Is it ever correct to use “strike” as an adjective?
No, “strike” is primarily a verb. To use the concept of “strike” adjectivally, you would typically use a derived adjective, such as “striking” (meaning remarkable or impressive) or utilize a different word entirely that conveys the intended meaning better.
Are there regional variations in the use of “struck” and “stricken”?
While the core meanings remain consistent, some subtle regional variations in usage might exist. However, adhering to the general rules outlined in this article will ensure correct usage in most contexts.
How can I improve my understanding of irregular verbs like “strike”?
Practice is key. Regularly review lists of irregular verbs and create your own sentences using each form. Pay attention to how these verbs are used in written and spoken English, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from native speakers or language teachers.
Conclusion
Mastering the nuances between “struck” and “stricken” is a significant step towards improving your English grammar skills. While both are past participle forms of “strike,” their usage differs considerably. “Struck” is generally used for actions involving hitting or impacting, while “stricken” is reserved for describing being severely affected by negative conditions. By understanding these distinctions and practicing regularly, you can confidently use these forms in your writing and speaking.
Remember to pay attention to context and to review the examples and exercises provided in this article. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to navigate the complexities of irregular verbs and communicate with greater accuracy and clarity. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon find that using “struck” and “stricken” correctly becomes second nature.