Use the appropriate word to complete the sentence. The convict was told that…

Use hanged when referring to a person being suspended by a rope around the neck until dead.

Key rule: Use "hanged" for people when the meaning is execution. Use "hung" for objects or non-execution contexts.

• Correct form for this sentence: "be hanged" — the passive infinitive is needed because the sentence reports that the convict would be executed.

• "hangs" is wrong because it is present simple (third person) and does not express the passive scheduled action.

• "hanging" is wrong because it is a present participle/gerund and would indicate ongoing action or act as a noun, not the passive infinitive meaning 'will be executed.'

• "be hung" is generally used for objects (e.g., "be hung on the wall"); when referring to executing a person, standard usage is "be hanged."

Example: The convict was told that he would be hanged early next morning.