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

Differences between hang up and hang up on

Hang up means to end a phone call, while hang up on means to abruptly end a phone call by putting the phone down on the person you are talking to.

Meanings and Definitions: hang up vs hang up on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Hang up

• 1. End a phone call.

  I lost my temper and HUNG UP.

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 up, hang up on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

hang up

Example

Please hang up and try your call again.

Example

She always hangs up when she hears a telemarketer.

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 up

end a call

To terminate a phone conversation.

Example

I need to end this call now and get back to work.

disconnect

To break the connection between two devices or systems.

Example

Please disconnect the printer from your computer and connect it to mine.

ring off

To end a phone call by hanging up the phone.

Example

She rang off before I could ask her about the party details.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hang up on

cut off

To abruptly end a phone conversation by breaking the connection.

Example

He cut me off mid-sentence and I couldn't finish my explanation.

slam the phone down

To end a phone call abruptly and rudely by slamming the phone down.

Example

She was so angry that she slammed the phone down on her boss.

drop the call

To unintentionally end a phone conversation due to a technical issue or poor signal.

Example

I'm sorry, I didn't hang up on you, I think we got disconnected or I dropped the call.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “hang”

• hang around
• hang about
• hang onto
• hang back from
• hang about!

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

• gather up
• chase up
• eye up
• fit up
• burn up

Phrasal Verbs with “up on”

• give up on
• beat up on
• run up on
• catch up on
• hit up on

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

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

In daily conversation, people use hang up more often than hang up on. This is because hang up is used in most phone conversations to indicate that the call has ended. Hang up on is less common and usually implies a negative or rude action.

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

Hang up 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 up and hang up on

The tone of hang up and hang up on can differ based on context. Hang up is neutral and simply indicates that the call has ended. Hang up on can carry a negative or abrupt tone, especially if done intentionally.

hang up & hang up on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Hang up

Synonyms

• disconnect
• end
• terminate
• finish
• cut off

Antonyms

• answer
• start
• dial
• pick up
• connect

Hang up on

Synonyms

• disconnect
• terminate
• end call
• cut off

Antonyms

• answer
• pick up
• connect
• continue talking