About us
Our goal is not to overload students with heavy grammar, turning them into philologists, but to teach a real, living language. The one you hear in a store, the one that allows you to communicate, meet people and clearly articulate your thoughts in a foreign language.
sales team
The verb to hang in English: 3 forms
30.08.2024
4 minutes to read
Hi, today we are going to talk about the verb "to hang". This word may sound a bit strange because it has three different forms that we use in different situations. If you've ever wondered how to say "to hang" or "to hang" correctly in English, you'll find it helpful to learn about these forms. Let's break down how and when to use each one!
Table of contents
The verb "to hang" can mean several things in English. First, it is used when we talk about hanging something on a wall or other place. For example, "I hang my coat on the hook". Here "hang" shows that the coat is not lying on the floor, but hanging.
Second, "to hang" also means to hang something, as in the case of pictures or posters. For example, "We need to hang the new poster in the living room".
Interestingly, "to hang" can also be used in more complex situations. For example, if we are talking about how someone spends time, we can say "I was hanging out with my friends".
So "to hang" is a very versatile word that can mean different things depending on the context!
Second, "to hang" also means to hang something, as in the case of pictures or posters. For example, "We need to hang the new poster in the living room".
Interestingly, "to hang" can also be used in more complex situations. For example, if we are talking about how someone spends time, we can say "I was hanging out with my friends".
So "to hang" is a very versatile word that can mean different things depending on the context!
Meaning of the verb to hang
3 basic forms of the verb to hang
The verb "to hang" has three main forms, and each of them is used in different situations. Let's find out which forms they are and how to use them:
- Base Form: "hang" This verb form is used in the present tense. We use "hang" when we are talking about something that is happening right now or regularly.
- Past Simple: "hung" In this form, the verb indicates that the action has already happened. Here "hung" shows that the action was completed in the past.
- Past Participle: "hung" This form is used with the verb "to have" to create the perfect tenses. We use "hung" to say that an action happened in the past and is relevant to the present.
The verb "to hang" is used in many different situations, and here's when you can use it:
- To say something is hanging: If you want to tell that something is hanging, use "hang". For example: "The picture hangs on the wall." This means that the picture is attached and hanging in place.
- To describe the process of hanging something: When you talk about having just hung something, use "hang" in the appropriate form. For example: "I will hang the new calendar tomorrow." Here "hang" shows the action you are about to do.
- To talk about someone hanging out: 'To hang out' is a phrasal verb that means to spend time with friends or just relax. For example: "I was hanging out with my friends yesterday.
- To express the idea of hanging something in the past: When you tell that you hung something in the past, use the form "hung". For example: "I hung the decorations last week." This means that the action has already been completed.
When the verb hang is used
The verb "to hang" has some interesting grammatical features that are worth knowing:
1. Irregular forms: The verb "to hang" is irregular, which means that its forms do not change according to the usual rules. Its past tense and past participle both have the same form, "hung", which can be confusing. For example:
Basic form: "I hang the coat".
Past tense: "I hung the coat yesterday".
Past participle: "I have hung the coat".
2. Phrasal verb "to hang out": When "hang" is used in the phrasal verb "to hang out", it changes its meaning. In this case, it means to spend time or to rest. For example: "We are hanging out at the park". This expression has nothing to do with physically hanging out.
3. Use with prepositions: Depending on the context, "to hang" can be used with different prepositions. For example:
"Hang on" means "to wait" or "to hold on". Example: "Hang on a minute.
"Hang up" means "to hang up" (e.g., after a phone call). Example: "I hung up the phone.
4. Negations and questions: We use the present and past tense auxiliary verb "to do" to create negations and questions. For example:
Negation: "I don't hang the clothes outside".
Question: "Did you hang the new sign?"
1. Irregular forms: The verb "to hang" is irregular, which means that its forms do not change according to the usual rules. Its past tense and past participle both have the same form, "hung", which can be confusing. For example:
Basic form: "I hang the coat".
Past tense: "I hung the coat yesterday".
Past participle: "I have hung the coat".
2. Phrasal verb "to hang out": When "hang" is used in the phrasal verb "to hang out", it changes its meaning. In this case, it means to spend time or to rest. For example: "We are hanging out at the park". This expression has nothing to do with physically hanging out.
3. Use with prepositions: Depending on the context, "to hang" can be used with different prepositions. For example:
"Hang on" means "to wait" or "to hold on". Example: "Hang on a minute.
"Hang up" means "to hang up" (e.g., after a phone call). Example: "I hung up the phone.
4. Negations and questions: We use the present and past tense auxiliary verb "to do" to create negations and questions. For example:
Negation: "I don't hang the clothes outside".
Question: "Did you hang the new sign?"
Grammatical features
Examples
Present tense:
"She hangs her keys on the hook every day."
"The cat hangs out in the garden."
Past tense:
"Last week, we hung the lights for the party."
"He hung his jacket on the back of the chair."
Past participle:
"I have hung the towels in the bathroom."
"The art exhibit has hung in the gallery for a month."
Phrasal verb "hang out."
"We love to hang out at the coffee shop after school."
"They're hanging out with friends at the mall."
"She hangs her keys on the hook every day."
"The cat hangs out in the garden."
Past tense:
"Last week, we hung the lights for the party."
"He hung his jacket on the back of the chair."
Past participle:
"I have hung the towels in the bathroom."
"The art exhibit has hung in the gallery for a month."
Phrasal verb "hang out."
"We love to hang out at the coffee shop after school."
"They're hanging out with friends at the mall."
This website uses cookies to give you the best possible experience.
OK
