The "DNA" of Verb Forms

A reader asks for the simple past tense of the verb wring: "to squeeze or twist especially so as to make dry or to extract moisture or liquid." Merriam-Webster Dictionary says the past tense of Wring is Wrung.

Let's explore the "DNA" of verbs, the various forms they take for various uses: We'll continue to use "wring" in the process, which should take several postings. Don't worry, I'll not give you such a wring that your neck will crack. (archaic)

The standard view of a verb begins with its infinitive, the word "to" placed before the verb. Therefore, the infinitive of wring is: to wring.

After the infinitive come four Principal Parts*: 1) the verb in the 3rd person singular, present tense: wrings, then 2) the present participle: wringing, followed by 3) the simple past tense: wrung (as we have seen), and finally, 4) the past participle: wrung. Notice, in this case, the verb in the simple past takes the same form as the verb in the past participle.

Another look at the Principle Parts of the verb wring used in sentences:

3rd person singular, present tense: Ted wrings his hands when he is frustrated.

simple past tense: Ted wrung the towel of its wetness.

present participle: Ted is wringing the towel of its wetness.

past participle: Ted has wrung the towel of its wetness each Friday.


We'll have more to say about the Principle Parts in future postings. Meanwhile, let me ring in the New Year** with this toast to be repeated December 31st: "Here's to healthy sentences and sound communication."

*Some grammarians include the infinitive in the Principle Parts.

**to ring to summon especially by bell. Merriam-Webster Dictionary

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