Unruly Crowd's Demand: Choosing the Correct Verb Form

The question asks us to fill in the blank in the sentence: "The unruly crowd demanded that the accused be _____________ without trial." This is a test of correct verb usage, specifically the past participle of the verb 'to hang'. The choice depends on whether the context refers to suspending an object or executing a person.

Understanding 'Hanged' vs. 'Hung'

The verb 'to hang' has two distinct past participle forms, 'hanged' and 'hung', which are used in different contexts. It is crucial to distinguish between these forms to ensure grammatical accuracy, especially in formal or precise language.

• Hanged: This form is used specifically when referring to the execution of a person by suspending them by the neck until death occurs. It implies a capital punishment. For example, "The criminal was hanged for his crimes."
• Hung: This form is used for all other instances of suspending an object or person (not referring to execution). It means to suspend something from above. For example, "The picture was hung on the wall," or "The clothes were hung out to dry."

Analyzing the Options for the Accused

Let's examine the given options in the context of the sentence, "The unruly crowd demanded that the accused be _____________ without trial." The phrase "the accused be... without trial" clearly implies a demand for capital punishment or execution, not merely suspending an object.

• hanged: This is the correct past participle form of 'to hang' when referring to the execution of a person. In the context of "the accused be _____________ without trial," this option perfectly fits the meaning of execution by hanging, which is what an unruly crowd might demand.
• hanging: This is the present participle form of 'to hang'. While it describes an ongoing action, it does not fit the grammatical structure "be _______" when referring to a completed action or a state of being after an action for the accused. For instance, "The clothes are hanging," but not "The accused be hanging" in this context of a demand for an action to be performed upon them.
• hankering: This word means to have a strong desire or craving for something. It is completely unrelated to the verb 'to hang' and does not fit the meaning of the sentence at all.
• hung: This is the past participle form used for suspending objects. If we were talking about "the accused's coat was hung," it would be correct. However, for the execution of a person, 'hung' is incorrect; 'hanged' must be used. The unruly crowd is demanding the execution of the accused.

Comparative Table of 'Hanged' and 'Hung'

Conclusion on the Accused's Fate

Based on the clear distinction between 'hanged' and 'hung', and the context of an "unruly crowd" demanding an action upon "the accused without trial," the intended meaning is execution. Therefore, the grammatically correct and semantically appropriate word to complete the sentence is 'hanged'. The unruly crowd's demand for the accused directly relates to capital punishment.