The verb to spring · Conjugation
Past Simple of spring
The answer: sprang (UK) / sprang or sprung (US)
A2
A finished action at a definite time in the past.
Quick answer
The Past Simple of the verb to spring is sprang (UK) / sprang or sprung (US).
Example: The cat sprang onto the table.
Full conjugation in the Past Simple
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| I | sprang |
| You | sprang |
| He / She / It | sprang |
| We | sprang |
| You (pl.) | sprang |
| They | sprang |
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Springed ❌
Spring is irregular: spring → sprang → sprung, never springed. The vowel changes i → a → u, like drink → drank → drunk, sing → sang → sung, swim → swam → swum.
2. Spring has several meanings
Spring = (1) to jump (verb); (2) the season after winter; (3) a piece of metal that goes back to its shape; (4) a place where water comes out of the ground. The context tells you which one.
3. Springtime
Springtime means the season of spring. It sounds more poetic than spring: The garden is beautiful in the springtime.
Practice quiz
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Frequently asked questions
What is the past tense of spring?+
The Past Simple of spring is sprang (UK). Sprung is also accepted in the US. The past participle is sprung. Spring → sprang → sprung, like drink → drank → drunk.
Is it sprang or sprung?+
In British English, the Past Simple is sprang. In American English, both are accepted: sprang is more traditional, and sprung is also common. The past participle is always sprung: A new shop has sprung up in my street.
Does spring mean a season or to jump?+
Spring has several meanings: (1) verb: to jump or appear suddenly; (2) noun: the season after winter; (3) noun: a piece of metal that goes back to its shape; (4) noun: a place where water comes out of the ground. The context tells you which one.
Is it didn't spring or didn't sprang?+
Say didn't spring: He didn't spring out of bed this morning. After didn't, the verb goes back to its base form (spring, not sprang).
What does spring to mind mean?+
Spring to mind means to come into your head immediately. The first idea that springs to mind is a picnic. The picture: an idea jumps up on its own.
Related pages: spring 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 →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/verbs/spring/past-simple
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.
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More forms of the verb to spring are coming soon.