hung up on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hung up on" is correct and usable in written English.
In this phrase, "hung up on" means to be overly focused on a particular thing or idea. For example, "My brother is always hung up on the latest fashion trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Some had died, and many others hung up on him.

The New York Times

Don't get hung up on what could go wrong.

BBC

Don't get hung up on what is "right".

WikiHow

People get hung up on one way.

Los Angeles Times

"She hung up on me.

Independent

Then she hung up on Surma.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Hang up on el presidente?

The New York Times

Hang up on pollsters when they call.

The New York Times - Books

Hang up on us?

Huffington Post

Hang up on robocalls.

WikiHow

Hang up on the caller.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hung up on", consider whether a more precise term like "fixated", "obsessed", or "preoccupied" might better convey the specific nuance you intend.

Common error

Avoid using "hung up on" when you simply mean someone is interested in something. The phrase implies an excessive or unhealthy level of focus. If you need to describe a simple interest in something, you can use "interested in" or "keen on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hung up on" functions as a phrasal verb combined with a preposition, creating an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correct usage. It describes a state of being overly focused or preoccupied with something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hung up on" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe being excessively focused or preoccupied with something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. While grammatically sound, ensure that the context warrants the implication of excessive focus, and consider alternative phrases like "fixated on" or "preoccupied with" for nuances in meaning. It is commonly used in informal settings and news media, it's more infrequent in academic texts. Avoid using "hung up on" to simply indicate interest, as it carries the implication of an unhealthy or unproductive level of obsession.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fixated on

This alternative suggests a strong, often obsessive focus on something.

preoccupied with

This alternative emphasizes being deeply absorbed in thought about something.

obsessed with

This alternative indicates an extreme and often unhealthy preoccupation.

caught up in

This alternative suggests being heavily involved or engrossed in something.

engrossed in

This alternative emphasizes being completely absorbed and attentive to something.

dwelling on

This alternative suggests continuously thinking or talking about something, often negatively.

mulling over

This alternative refers to thinking deeply about something over a period of time.

consumed by

This alternative suggests being completely dominated or controlled by a thought or feeling.

wrapped up in

This alternative indicates being very involved or focused on something, often to the exclusion of other things.

caught up with

This alternative suggests that you dedicate more time or effort than you should to something.

FAQs

How can I use "hung up on" in a sentence?

You can use "hung up on" to describe someone who is excessively focused on a particular thing or idea. For example, "He's so "hung up on" the details that he's missing the bigger picture."

What does it mean to be "hung up on" someone?

To be "hung up on" someone means to be unable to stop thinking about them, often after a relationship has ended. It implies a lingering attachment or obsession.

Are there situations where "preoccupied with" is a better choice than "hung up on"?

Yes, "preoccupied with" might be a better choice when describing a deep involvement in a task or problem, without the negative connotation of obsession that "hung up on" can carry.

What's the difference between "fixated on" and "hung up on"?

"Fixated on" often implies a more clinical or psychological focus, while "hung up on" is generally used in a more informal and everyday context to describe being overly concerned or preoccupied.