it hangs around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it hangs around" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that remains in a place or situation for an extended period, often without a clear purpose. Example: "After the meeting, he tends to hang around the office, waiting for someone to talk to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The soft, yet tour-quality ball will hit stores sometime around Oct. 6, but how long it hangs around will be determined by how its received.

Forbes

If it hangs around longer, it produces a stronger signal.In this section Trick or treatment?

The Economist

The so-called Big Gulp Ban (which will not, sadly, affect actual Big Gulps) will be implemented in March; if it hangs around, New York's obesity statistics may slide even further below the national average before too long.

The New York Times

"It hangs around and sulks but is a very good-looking monkey," Wallace said the other day, when he came to town to conduct some monkey business in the offices of the Wildlife Conservation Society, at the Bronx Zoo.

The New Yorker

"We are doing more research into that but we believe it gets aerosolised, for example, when people cough and because this bacteria is tough it hangs around in the air".

BBC

It has a long half-life, so it hangs around during lactation and gets delivered in milk to babies," Fenton says.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It hung around impetuously.

The New Yorker

For the short time it hung around, however, this summer was perfection.

The New York Times

Einstein never liked the idea, but it hung around, and gradually scientists started seeing evidence that black holes really exist.

The Washington Post

Consequently, it hung around like a bad smell while they tried to figure out a way around it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's totally unreal, especially as big as this hurricane was and as long as it hung around," said Cecil Logan, a spokesman for the county's disaster services.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it hangs around" to describe something that persists longer than expected, whether physically or metaphorically. For example: "The smell of smoke it hangs around long after the fire is extinguished."

Common error

While "it hangs around" is acceptable in many situations, avoid it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary is expected. Consider using "it persists" or "it remains" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it hangs around" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of existence or presence in a particular place or state. As shown by Ludwig, it commonly describes something lingering or persisting over time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it hangs around" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe something that lingers or persists in a place or situation. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently used in news and media contexts, with less frequent occurrences in science and informal settings. While grammatically correct and widely understood, its register leans towards neutral to informal, suggesting that more formal alternatives like "it remains" or "it persists" may be more appropriate for academic or professional writing. Use "it hangs around" when you want to emphasize that something is staying longer than expected, whether physically or metaphorically. The examples from Ludwig shows variety of contexts when the phrase is used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it lingers

Focuses on the protracted presence or effect, often subtly.

it remains

Emphasizes the continuation of existence or condition in a place.

it persists

Highlights continued existence despite challenges or resistance.

it stays put

Suggests a lack of movement or change in location.

it sticks around

Implies a casual or informal persistence.

it hovers

Conveys a sense of suspension or indecision in remaining.

it endures

Stresses survival and long-term existence through difficulties.

it abides

Highlights a continuation in a place, state, or role.

it floats about

Conveys a sense of aimless drifting or lingering.

it doesn't leave

Simply states the absence of departure.

FAQs

How can I use "it hangs around" in a sentence?

You can use "it hangs around" to describe something that lingers or remains present for an extended period. For example, "The memory of that day it hangs around in my mind." You can also use alternatives like "it lingers" or "it persists".

What's a more formal alternative to "it hangs around"?

For formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it remains", "it endures", or "it persists". These options provide a more elevated tone while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "it hangs around" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it hangs around" might be considered too informal for strict academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "it remains" or "it persists" to maintain a professional tone.

What does "it hangs around" imply?

"It hangs around" generally implies that something is staying in a place or situation for an extended time, often without a clear purpose or reason. It can suggest a sense of lingering, persistence, or even unwanted presence. Similar phrases are "it stays put" or "it sticks around".