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The verb to ring · Conjugation

Past Simple of ring

The answer: rang

A2

A finished action at a definite time in the past.

This page for:

Quick answer

The Past Simple of the verb to ring is rang.

Example: The phone rang twice.

Full conjugation in the Past Simple

PronounForm
Irang
Yourang
He / She / Itrang
Werang
You (pl.)rang
Theyrang

Common mistakes to avoid

1. The phone has rang ❌

The phone rang yesterday. ✓ The phone has rung twice. ✓ After have or has, always use rung, never rang.

2. Ringed ❌

Ring (a bell, a phone) is irregular. Its Past Simple is rang, never ringed.

3. Ring is also a noun

As a noun, a ring is a piece of jewellery for your finger, or a circle. A wedding ring is the ring you get when you marry.

Practice quiz

Question 1 / 3The Big Challenge question bank

Complete the sentence: Yesterday, the phone _____ twice during the lesson.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the past tense of ring?+

The Past Simple of ring is rang. The past participle is rung. Ring → rang → rung (like sing).

What is the difference between rang and rung?+

Rang is the Past Simple: The phone rang. Rung is the past participle, after have / has: The phone has rung.

Why is it not ringed?+

Ring (for a bell or a phone) is irregular. Its Past Simple is rang. Note: ringed exists, but it is another verb, regular, that means to form a circle around something: The lake is ringed by trees.

Is it ring someone or call someone?+

Both are correct. Ring someone is British English. Call someone is used everywhere. I'll ring you tomorrow (UK) = I'll call you tomorrow (US).

What is the difference between ring and call?+

Both mean to phone someone. Ring is mostly British English. Call is used everywhere and is the usual word in American English. Both are correct, but call is more international.

Related pages: ring Past Simple

Pages on a similar topic or with a similar use, so you can keep exploring.

Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →

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More forms of the verb to ring are coming soon.