Differences between hang out and hang about
Hang out usually means to spend time with friends or in a casual setting, whereas hang about generally means to wait around or loiter in a particular area.
Meanings and Definitions: hang out vs hang about
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Hang out
- 1Spend time socially.
He HANGS OUT in the pub The Monarch; he's there most nights.
Hang about
- 1Spend time somewhere not doing much.
They HANG ABOUT the station most of the day.
Usage Examples: hang out, hang about in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
hang out
Example
I like to hang out with my friends on weekends.
Example
She hangs out with her coworkers after work.
hang about
Example
On weekends, my friends and I like to hang about at the park.
Example
He hangs about the library after school, waiting for his mom to pick him up.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hang out
chill
To relax or spend time in a leisurely manner.
Example
Let's just chill at home and watch some movies tonight.
hang around
To stay in a particular place without any specific purpose.
Example
I'm just going to hang around the park until my friends arrive.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hang about
To stand or move around slowly without any clear purpose.
Example
The police asked the group of teenagers to stop loitering outside the store.
To waste time or move slowly without making progress.
Example
We can't dawdle if we want to finish the project on time.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “hang”
- hang up on
- hang with
- hang about
- hang onto
- hang in there
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
Phrasal Verbs with “about”
Differences in hang out vs hang about: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: hang out or hang about?
In daily conversation, people use hang out more often than hang about. This is because hang out is used for socializing and spending time with friends, which is a common activity. Hang about is not used as much, and it's mainly used in British English.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hang out and hang about
Hang out and hang about 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 out and hang about
The tone of hang out and hang about can differ based on context. Hang out often carries a relaxed and friendly tone when related to socializing, while hang about typically has a negative connotation and can imply wasting time or being idle.
