Quick Definition
Hang Out — To spend time relaxing in a place or with friends, without a specific purpose.
Meanings of Hang Out
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Spend casual time | We used to hang out at the park every weekend. | We spent relaxed time there. |
| Spend time with someone | Do you want to hang out with us tonight? | Do you want to join us? |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| We used to hang out at the park every weekend. | We spent relaxed time there. |
| Do you want to hang out with us tonight? | Do you want to join us? |
| "Don't worry -- I'll hang out it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
| She decided to hang out the whole situation. | Applying the phrasal verb in context. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: inseparable | Transitivity: intransitive
Intransitive and inseparable. Followed by 'with' + person or 'at/in' + place. No object: NOT hang someone out in this sense.
How to Use Hang Out
Informal. Very common in everyday speech, especially among younger speakers. Not used in formal writing.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | We used to hang out at the park every weekend. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Hang Out
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Hang Out
What does "Hang Out" mean?
"Hang Out" means: To spend time relaxing in a place or with friends, without a specific purpose. It is a intransitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Hang Out" separable or inseparable?
"Hang Out" is inseparable. Intransitive and inseparable. Followed by 'with' + person or 'at/in' + place. No object: NOT hang someone out in this sense.
How do I use "Hang Out" in a sentence?
We used to hang out at the park every weekend. -- in this example, 'Hang Out' means we spent relaxed time there.
What is the register of "Hang Out"?
Informal. Very common in everyday speech, especially among younger speakers. Not used in formal writing.
What CEFR level is "Hang Out"?
"Hang Out" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in informal contexts.
What is the difference between "Hang Out" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Hang Out" specifically means: To spend time relaxing in a place or with friends, without a specific purpose. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Hang Out" be used formally?
Informal. Very common in everyday speech, especially among younger speakers. Not used in formal writing. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Hang Out" take an object?
"Hang Out" is intransitive. Intransitive and inseparable. Followed by 'with' + person or 'at/in' + place. No object: NOT hang someone out in this sense.
How can I practise "Hang Out"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Hang Out' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Hang Out" used in British or American English?
"Hang Out" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Informal. Very common in everyday speech, especially among younger speakers. Not used in formal writing.