English Reference

Phrasal verb

hang up

Irregular verb

Forms

Infinitive

hang up

Past

hung up

Past participle

hung up

Definition

phrasal verb. To end a phone call by breaking the connection. You use this when you finish talking to someone on the phone.

phrasal verb. To terminate a telephone conversation by breaking the connection. Historically derived from placing a receiver back on a wall-mounted hook, it is now used for all types of telephony.

Examples

“Don't hang up yet, I have one more thing to say.”

“She was so angry that she decided to hang up in the middle of our conversation.”

“After a brief and rather cold exchange, the diplomat chose to hang up before any further concessions could be demanded.”

Examples

simple

“Don't hang up yet, I have one more thing to say.”

contextual

“She was so angry that she decided to hang up in the middle of our conversation.”

complex

“After a brief and rather cold exchange, the diplomat chose to hang up before any further concessions could be demanded.”

Usage

You can use it alone or with an object like 'the phone'.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'hang on' (wait) and 'hang out' (spend time) to help students distinguish common 'hang' phrasal verbs.

Pitfall

I hung up the phone to him.

I hung up on him.

Use 'on' to specify the person you are talking to when you end the call abruptly.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

optional

Pattern

hang + up (+ object)

Synonyms

end the callring offdisconnect

Antonyms

pick upanswerhold on

Word family

VERB

NOUN

PHRASAL VERB

hang up(A2)

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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English Reference