What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sunk
Example
The ship had sunk to the bottom of the ocean. [sunk: past participle]
Example
The company's profits have sunk due to poor management. [sunk: verb]
Example
I have sunk the flower pot into the soil. [sunk: verb]
sunken
Example
The divers discovered a sunken ship at the bottom of the sea. [sunken: adjective]
Example
The old house had a sunken living room. [sunken: adjective]
Example
Her sunken eyes revealed her exhaustion. [sunken: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sunk is more commonly used than sunken in everyday language. Sunk is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sunken is less common and is mostly used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sunk and sunken?
Both sunk and sunken are considered formal words and are used in formal writing and speech.
