What are the definitions of “hang up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1End a phone call.
I lost my temper and HUNG UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hang up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hang up is to end a phone call. When you hang up, you disconnect the call by pressing a button or putting the phone back on its base.
What are the different verb forms of “hang up”?
| Root Verb | hang up |
| Third Person Singular Present | hangs up |
| Present Participle | hanging up |
| Simple Past | hung up |
| Past Participle | hung up |
Example
Please hang up and try your call again.
Example
She always hangs up when she hears a telemarketer.
Example
He is hanging up the phone after talking to his friend.
Example
Yesterday, I hung up the phone after a long conversation.
Example
The call was hung up before I could say goodbye.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hang up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“hang up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She hung up without saying goodbye.
Example
He hung up after leaving a voicemail.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“hang up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She hung up without saying goodbye.
Example
He hung up after leaving a voicemail.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hang up”?
Hang up one's hat
To retire or stop doing something.
Example
After 40 years in the business, he decided to hang up his hat.
Don't hang up
A request for someone to stay on the line during a phone call.
Example
Don't hang up, I have more information to share with you.
Good things to know
Does “hang up” have an informal or formal tone?
Hang up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as business phone calls or customer service interactions.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “hang up”?
Synonyms
- disconnect
- end
- terminate
- finish
- cut off
