Forsook vs. Forsaken
“Forsook” and “forsaken” are different forms of “forsake”: “forsook” is simple past and “forsaken” is the past participle. Cambridge marks the verb literary or formal, so the guide keeps that register boundary visible.
Use “forsook” for the simple past of “forsake” and “forsaken” as the past participle. The verb is literary or formal in current English.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Sentence need | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| simple past | forsook | “Forsook” is used as the simple-past form in the documented contrast. |
| past participle | forsaken | “Forsaken” is used as a past participle in the documented contrast. |
Further guidance
Core difference
“Forsook” is the simple-past form of “forsake”; “forsaken” is the past participle.
Fast Test
Use “forsaken” after have/has/had; use “forsook” for simple past. Also check whether the literary/formal verb “forsake” suits the register.
Register Boundary
Cambridge marks “forsake” as literary or formal, so a grammatically correct form can still sound marked in ordinary conversation.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- FORSAKE — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence for forsake / forsook / forsaken verb forms and literary/formal register