What are the definitions of “hang onto”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Keep.
I HUNG ONTO my old records even though I never played them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hang onto”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hang onto is to keep something, especially when it is no longer needed or used. It can refer to holding onto physical objects or keeping memories and emotions.
What are the different verb forms of “hang onto”?
| Root Verb | hang onto |
| Third Person Singular Present | hangs onto |
| Present Participle | hanging onto |
| Simple Past | hung onto |
| Past Participle | hung onto |
Example
She decided to hang onto her childhood toys.
Example
He hangs onto his old clothes, even though they don't fit anymore.
Example
They are hanging onto their old car, even though it's not working well.
Example
I hung onto my old records even though I never played them.
Example
She had hung onto her old letters from her friends.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hang onto”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“hang onto” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He hung onto his old baseball cards.
Example
She hung onto her favorite childhood book.
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 onto” 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
He hung onto his old baseball cards.
Example
She hung onto her favorite childhood book.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hang onto”?
Hang onto a memory
Keep a memory or experience in your mind.
Example
She hung onto the memory of their first date.
Hang onto a belief
Continue to believe in something, even when it is challenged.
Example
He hung onto his belief in the goodness of people.
Hang onto a hope
Keep hoping for something, even when it seems unlikely.
Example
They hung onto the hope that their team would win the championship.
Good things to know
Does “hang onto” have an informal or formal tone?
Hang onto is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
