English Reference

Phrasal verb

hang on

Definition

phrasal verb. to wait for a short time. You use this when you want someone to stop what they are doing for a moment.

phrasal verb. to wait for a brief period. Often functions as an imperative or a request for a pause in a task or conversation; typically intransitive.

Examples

“Hang on, I forgot my wallet.”

“If you can hang on for just a moment, I will see if the doctor is free to talk.”

“The operator requested that the customer hang on while the technical specifications were retrieved from the database.”

Examples

simple

“Hang on, I forgot my wallet.”

contextual

“If you can hang on for just a moment, I will see if the doctor is free to talk.”

complex

“The operator requested that the customer hang on while the technical specifications were retrieved from the database.”

Usage

usually used in spoken English rather than formal writing.

Teaching tip

use role-play phone calls to practice this phrase alongside 'hold on' and 'put someone through'.

Pitfall

Can you hang on me for a second?

Can you hang on for a second?

the verb is intransitive in this sense and does not take a person as a direct object.

Phrasal verb

Particles

on

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

hang + on

Synonyms

waithold onpausestay

Antonyms

continueproceedhurry

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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English Reference