hang out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hang out" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an informal way of saying to spend time with friends doing something enjoyable. For example: "We decided to just hang out and watch movies together this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We hang out together.

The New York Times

Hang out at..

The Guardian - Money

Hang out and reflect.

Harvard Business Review

Let's hang out!

The New Yorker

We should hang out!

The Washington Post

And... hang out with people.

Independent

"We might hang out".

Forbes

2. Hang out.

Forbes

"We hang out sometimes.

Los Angeles Times

Can we hang out?

HuffPost

Hang out casually.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hang out" in informal contexts when describing casual social interactions. It's ideal for relaxed conversations and situations where the atmosphere is light and friendly.

Common error

Avoid using "hang out" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "spend time", "meet", or "socialize" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "hang out" functions as an intransitive verb, indicating an action performed by the subject without directly acting upon an object. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and commonly used. For example, "We should hang out!"

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

48%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hang out" is a common and informal phrasal verb used to describe spending time with someone in a relaxed manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While highly suitable for casual conversations, it's best to avoid using "hang out" in formal or professional writing, opting instead for alternatives such as "spend time" or "socialize". When you’re looking for more options, consider phrases like "chill out" or "get together" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spend time

This alternative offers a more general way to describe allocating time for companionship or leisure, differing slightly in its lack of inherent informality.

chill out

This alternative also implies relaxation but focuses more on the individual's state of mind rather than the social interaction.

kick back

This suggests a relaxed and informal way of spending time, often implying rest and leisure.

get together

This suggests a planned meeting or gathering, slightly more formal than "hang out".

socialize

This alternative is a more formal term for interacting with others, lacking the casual connotation of "hang out".

mingle

This implies moving around and interacting with various people, differing from the more settled nature of "hanging out".

loaf around

This emphasizes idleness and lack of activity, which may not always be the focus when "hanging out".

fraternize

This suggests a friendly and social interaction, often in a specific group or setting, making it less general than "hang out".

pass the time

This focuses on occupying oneself without necessarily implying social interaction or enjoyment.

waste time

This implies unproductive or frivolous use of time, which has a negative connotation not present in "hang out".

FAQs

What does it mean to "hang out" with someone?

To "hang out" with someone means to spend time together informally, usually doing something enjoyable and relaxing. It implies a casual social interaction without specific plans or obligations.

What can I say instead of "hang out"?

You can use alternatives like "spend time", "chill out", or "get together" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "hang out" in formal writing?

No, "hang out" is considered informal. In formal writing, use alternatives such as "socialize" or "spend time" to maintain a professional tone.

How do I ask someone to "hang out"?

You can ask someone to "hang out" by saying something like, "Do you want to "hang out" this weekend?" or "Let's "hang out" sometime." Be clear and casual in your invitation.