What are the definitions of “hang about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Spend time somewhere not doing much.
They HANG ABOUT the station most of the day.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hang about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hang about is to spend time in a place without doing much or having a specific purpose. It often implies that someone is waiting or passing the time in a relaxed manner.
What are the different verb forms of “hang about”?
| Root Verb | hang about |
| Third Person Singular Present | hangs about |
| Present Participle | hanging about |
| Simple Past | hung about |
| Past Participle | hung 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.
Example
She is hanging about the coffee shop, waiting for her friend to arrive.
Example
Yesterday, we hung about the mall for a few hours.
Example
They had hung about the station most of the day.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hang about”?
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 about” 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
We hung about the park for a while.
Example
She hangs about the library after school.
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 about” 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
We hung about the park for a while.
Example
She hangs about the library after school.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hang about”?
Good things to know
Does “hang about” have an informal or formal tone?
Hang about is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as 'spend time' or 'wait' may be more appropriate.
