Struck vs. Stricken
“Struck” is the normal simple-past and past-participle form of “strike.” “Stricken” survives in a narrower participial/adjectival sense for someone or something severely affected by harm, illness, disaster, or a similar condition.
Use “struck” as the normal past tense and past participle of “strike.” Use “stricken” only in the restricted sense of being afflicted or severely affected.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / grammar | Choose | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| ordinary past tense of strike | struck | Use the normal past form. |
| ordinary past participle of strike | struck | Use the normal participle. |
| afflicted or severely affected | stricken | Reserve “stricken” for the restricted affected/afflicted sense. |
Quick tests
Meaning test
Does the participle mean afflicted or severely affected rather than the ordinary action of striking?
If yes: “Stricken” may fit the restricted sense.
If no: Use “struck” for the normal past or past participle of “strike.”
Caveat: “Stricken” is not a general replacement for the ordinary past participle “struck.”
Examples
The clock struck twelve.
“Struck” is the normal simple-past form.
The ball had struck the wall before anyone reacted.
“Struck” is the normal past participle in the ordinary strike sense.
The stricken community received emergency supplies.
“Stricken” is used in the restricted sense of being severely affected.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “struck” as the ordinary past tense and past participle of “strike.” Use “stricken” only in the documented restricted participial sense of being badly affected or afflicted.
Fast Test
If you simply need the past tense or ordinary participle of “strike,” choose “struck.” If the meaning is “afflicted or severely affected,” “stricken” may be the intended form.
Sense Boundary
Do not treat “stricken” as a free alternative to “struck.” Cambridge separately records “stricken” for a restricted cause-harm sense, and also as an adjective meaning severely affected.
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.
- STRIKE — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence for strike / struck and the restricted stricken past-participle sense