Phrasal verbs "hang on" vs "hang up on"

Differences between hang on and hang up on

Hang on means to wait or hold on for a short period of time, while hang up on means to abruptly end a phone call without saying goodbye or providing an explanation.

Meanings and Definitions: hang on vs hang up on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Hang on

• 1. Wait.

  Could you HANG ON for a moment till she's free.

• 2. Hold tightly.

  The driver told the passengers to HANG ON as the bus pulled off.

Hang up on

• 1. End a phone call with someone.

  A telesales person called, so I said something rude and HUNG UP ON them.

Usage Examples: hang on, hang up on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

hang on

Example

Please hang on while I find the information you need.

Example

She hangs on for a few seconds before the call connects.

hang up on

Example

I don't like talking to telemarketers, so I usually hang up on them.

Example

She hangs up on anyone who tries to sell her something over the phone.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hang on

wait a minute

To ask someone to pause or hold on for a short period of time.

Example

Can you wait a minute while I finish this email?

hold your horses

To ask someone to be patient and wait for a moment.

Example

I know you're excited, but hold your horses until we get to the park.

just a sec

A shortened version of 'just a second', used to ask someone to wait for a brief moment.

Example

I'll be right there, just a sec.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hang up on

cut off

To abruptly end a conversation or communication without warning or explanation.

Example

He cut me off mid-sentence and hung up the phone.

disconnect

To break the connection between two devices or people, often suddenly or unintentionally.

Example

The call was disconnected before I could finish my sentence.

drop the call

To lose connection during a phone call, often due to poor signal or technical issues.

Example

I'm sorry, I didn't hear what you said. I think I dropped the call for a moment.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “hang”

• hang up
• hang with
• hang together
• hang back
• hang in there

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

• plough on
• leave on
• act on
• put on
• log on

Phrasal Verbs with “up on”

• hit up on
• bone up on
• load up on
• grow up on
• rub up on

Differences in hang on vs hang up on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: hang on or hang up on?

In daily conversation, people use hang on more often than hang up on. This is because hang on is a common phrase used to ask someone to wait or pause for a moment. On the other hand, hang up on is less common and usually used in situations where someone is angry or frustrated with the person they are speaking to.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hang on and hang up on

Hang on and hang up on are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of hang on and hang up on

The tone of hang on and hang up on can differ based on context. Hang on is usually polite and patient, while hang up on can be rude and abrupt.

hang on & hang up on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Hang on

Synonyms

• wait
• pause
• delay
• grip
• cling
• grasp
• hold on
• hesitate

Antonyms

• hurry
• rush
• release
• ignore
• proceed
• continue
• let go

Hang up on

Synonyms

• disconnect
• terminate
• end call
• cut off

Antonyms

• answer
• pick up
• connect
• continue talking