What does the phrasal verb “hang out” mean?

What are the definitions of “hang out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Spend time socially.

  He HANGS OUT in the pub The Monarch; he's there most nights.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hang out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hang out is to spend time with friends or other people in a social setting. It often involves doing activities together, such as going to a café, watching a movie, or just talking and enjoying each other's company.

What are the different verb forms of “hang out”?

Root Verb	hang out
Third Person Singular Present	hangs out
Present Participle	hanging out
Simple Past	hung out
Past Participle	hung out

Example

I like to hang out with my friends on weekends.

Example

She hangs out with her coworkers after work.

Example

We are hanging out at the park this afternoon.

Example

Yesterday, they hung out at the mall for hours.

Example

We have hung out together since we were kids.

What kind of phrasal verb is “hang out”?

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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 out” 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 out at the beach all day.

Example

They hang out together every weekend.

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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 out” 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 out at the beach all day.

Example

They hang out together every weekend.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hang out”?

Hang out with someone

Spend time with a specific person or group of people.

Example

I love hanging out with my family during the holidays.

Hang out at a place

Spend time at a specific location, such as a park, café, or someone's house.

Example

We often hang out at the local library to study together.

Hang out to dry

To abandon someone or leave them in a difficult situation without any help.

Example

When the project failed, he felt like his team had hung him out to dry.

Good things to know

Does “hang out” have an informal or formal tone?

Hang out is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written documents. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'spend time together' or 'socialize' can be used.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “hang out”?

Synonyms

• mingle
• gather
• congregate
• socialize
• spend time
• meet up
• get together
• chill

Antonyms

• avoid
• isolate
• separate
• disperse
• divide
• stay away