What are the definitions of “hang back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not move forwards to avoid doing something.
When they raced towards the entrance, I HUNG BACK till it was less crowded.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hang back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hang back is to stay behind or not move forward, often to avoid doing something or to wait for a better opportunity. For example, it can mean waiting for a crowd to disperse or avoiding participating in an activity.
What are the different verb forms of “hang back”?
| Root Verb | hang back |
| Third Person Singular Present | hangs back |
| Present Participle | hanging back |
| Simple Past | hung back |
| Past Participle | hung back |
Example
She always hangs back when her friends start dancing.
Example
He hangs back when he sees a large group of people.
Example
They are hanging back to avoid getting caught in the rain.
Example
Yesterday, he hung back when everyone rushed to the front of the line.
Example
She had hung back to avoid being noticed by her ex-boyfriend.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hang back”?
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 back” 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
I hung back when they started arguing.
Example
She hung back to avoid getting wet in the rain.
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 back” 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
I hung back when they started arguing.
Example
She hung back to avoid getting wet in the rain.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hang back”?
Good things to know
Does “hang back” have an informal or formal tone?
Hang back is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context. However, in most cases, hang back is considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.
