Sank

Sank is the simple past tense of the verb sink in English. It describes the action of descending below the surface of a liquid or other boundary, or the act of moving to a lower position. The past participle form of the verb is sunk, which is used in perfect tenses such as has sunk or had sunk.

In usage, sank appears in both literal and figurative contexts. Physically, one might say a ship sank after a collision or an object sank to the bottom of a pool. Figuratively, it can describe a decline in value, spirits, or prospects, as in prices sank or morale sank.

Etymology and grammar: Sank derives from Old English through the development of a strong verb class. The form sank has persisted as the standard simple past in modern English, while sunk is the past participle used with have, has, or had. Some historical dialects or older texts may show variation, but sank is the commonly accepted form for the past tense in contemporary usage.

Notes and related terms: The related verb sink is the base form, and sunk is the past participle. The phrase my heart sank is a common idiom indicating sudden disappointment or fear. See also sink (verb) and sunk for related grammar and usage.