English Reference

Phrasal verb

hang around

Definition

phrasal verb. to stay in a place for a while without a clear reason, often while you are waiting for something to happen.

phrasal verb. To loiter or remain in a location without a specific purpose or immediate intention to leave. The verb is typically intransitive but can be followed by a locative prepositional phrase.

Examples

“I usually hang around the library until my next class starts.”

“We had to hang around the airport for six hours because our flight was delayed by a storm.”

“The security guards were instructed to discourage people from hanging around the entrance to prevent blocking the flow of pedestrian traffic.”

Examples

simple

“I usually hang around the library until my next class starts.”

contextual

“We had to hang around the airport for six hours because our flight was delayed by a storm.”

complex

“The security guards were instructed to discourage people from hanging around the entrance to prevent blocking the flow of pedestrian traffic.”

Usage

Often used as an intransitive verb or followed by a place name.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'loiter', which carries a legal or negative nuance, whereas 'hang around' is more neutral or casual.

Pitfall

We hunged around the mall for hours.

We hung around the mall for hours.

The past tense of 'hang' is 'hung', not 'hunged'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

around

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

hang + around

Synonyms

waitlingerloiterhang about

Antonyms

leavedepartgo

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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