Sang is the simple past tense of sing, which means to make musical sounds with the voice. It can function as a transitive verb when followed by an object and an intransitive verb when used without an object.
- As a transitive verb: “The choir sang a song.” In this sentence, “song” is the direct object receiving the action of singing.
- As an intransitive verb: “The choir sang in the church.” In this context, “sang” is used intransitively. It doesn’t take a direct object; instead, it describes the action performed by the subject (“the choir”).
Sung is the past participle of sing. It requires an auxiliary, “helping” verb such as variants of “to have” and “to be” in constructions. Sung is used in both the past tense and present perfect tense, always accompanied by an auxiliary verb.
Examples
When Canadian doctor Frank Gregoire (right) sang the famous Hindi song Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2 for his wife Simran Malhotra (far right), little did the newly-wed couple know that the sweet gesture would make them internet stars. (The Hindustan Times)
A 49-year-old man from Youghal in Co Cork, who constantly sang ‘Born Free’ when he appeared in court in Derry on Monday, has been remanded in custody. (The Irish Times)
President Obama Sang the Davy Crockett Theme Song at an Event (TIME)
A hymn written by a Delaware pastor commemorating the nine who were shot and killed in Charleston, South Carolina, has been sung in numerous churches across the nation and even in other countries this past Sunday. (Christianity Daily)
According to the man President Barack Obama once affectionately called a “rocker,” this isn’t the first campaign event where he’s sung his heart out, and it certainly won’t be the last. (The Huffington Post)
He explained that Jackson hadn’t sung the choruses for the tracks, so “someone would have to be found” to perform them whenever they did get released, if Sony and Jackson’s family gave the go-ahead. (The Express Tribune)
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