In this article, we delve into the nuances of verb tenses and the critical difference between 'he has struck' and 'he has stricken.' Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurate and effective communication, particularly in the realm of English grammar and usage.
Understanding the Verb 'Strike'
The verb 'strike' is an irregular verb with a unique conjugation pattern. The standard conjugation is:
I strike He/She/It strikes We/They strike They struck (past tense) He/She/It has struck (present perfect tense) They had struck (past perfect tense)The past participle of 'strike' is 'struck.'
He Has Struck: The Correct Form
'He has struck' is the correct and commonly used form in present perfect tense. This usage is straightforward and reflects a completed action with relevance to the present. For example:
He has struck the ball towards the boundary.
Other examples where 'he has struck' is appropriate include:
'He has struck a pose on stage.' 'He has struck out the words that were thought offensive.'He Has Stricken: An Archaic or Literary Form
'He has stricken' is less common and can be considered archaic or literary. This form is typically not used in modern English, with some exceptions in specific contexts or literary works. For instance:
Tom has been stricken by a mysterious illness.
Here, 'stricken' is used in a past participle form to indicate being afflicted or affected in a significant way. It can also be used as an adjective to describe a condition:
The country was drought-stricken.
His expression was that of one stricken with grief.
America’s Quirks: When ‘Stricken’ is Used
In American English, 'he has stricken' is even less common and might seem awkward or outdated to many native speakers. However, its usage can still be found in certain contexts:
It is rare to hear 'he has stricken' in current English; instead, we often say 'he has struck.'
This emphasizes the present perfect tense, indicating a recent or relevant action in the past.
Examples of the Usage
To further illustrate, let's look at some examples:
1. He has struck the ball towards the boundary.
2. He has stricken a pose on stage.
3. He has struck out the words that were thought offensive.
These examples highlight the correct use of 'strike' in the present perfect tense. On the other hand, usage of 'stricken' can be seen in the following examples:
1. I am stricken by grief at the moment as my aunt passed away just last night and I was really close to her!
2. He has been stricken by the flu and won’t be in school today!
Legal Usage of ‘Stricken’
In legal contexts, 'stricken' has a different meaning altogether. It can refer to the act of removing or expunging something from a document or record:
For example, in a courtroom proceeding, a judge can request that a portion of testimony 'be stricken' from the record.
Conclusion
In summary, 'he has struck' is the correct and everyday form of the present perfect tense for the verb 'strike.' 'He has stricken' is archaic and not commonly used in modern English, though it can be found in specific literary or descriptive contexts. Understanding these nuances will help you communicate more accurately and effectively in both spoken and written English.
Remember, clear and precise communication is crucial, whether you're writing essays, articles, or engaging in casual conversation.