keep hanging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep hanging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to encourage someone to continue waiting or to maintain a state of suspension or uncertainty. Example: "Even though the project is delayed, I suggest you keep hanging in there; good news might be just around the corner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I continued to hang out at the store for years afterward, the way some people keep hanging out at their old college after graduating.

The New Yorker

"You have to keep hanging in there".

The New York Times - Sports

"We just got to keep hanging in there".

The New York Times - Sports

But to keep hanging around they'll need another starter.

The Guardian - Sport

He wants to keep hanging around in it, so he keeps on going.

The New Yorker

But I thought if I keep hanging on and making these bloody awful records..."...

The Guardian - Music

Outfielder Manny Ramírez may keep hanging out in Mannywood by staying with the Dodgers.

The New York Times

You've got to keep hanging in there and grinding it out".

The Guardian - Sport

Some find other reasons to keep hanging out at the beach.

The New York Times

They always want to count me out, but I keep hanging around".

The New York Times - Sports

"That's all we need to do, keep hanging around," Marlins Manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep hanging" when you want to express the idea of persisting in a certain location, situation or relationship. For instance, "Despite the difficulties, it's important to keep hanging in there".

Common error

While generally acceptable, "keep hanging" may sound too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "continue to pursue" or "persist in maintaining" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep hanging" functions as a phrasal verb, often followed by prepositions like "around", "out", or "on". Ludwig confirms its validity and indicates its role in maintaining connections or prolonging a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

22%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

The New Yorker

3%

BBC

3%

Forbes

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep hanging" is a common and acceptable phrasal verb used to express persistence, maintaining connections, or continuing an action. As Ludwig AI's analysis and numerous examples suggest, it is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Wiki. While suitable for informal and neutral settings, consider more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing. Common usage patterns include encouraging perseverance ("keep hanging in there") or maintaining a presence ("keep hanging around").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep holding on

Emphasizes maintaining a grip or connection, literal or figurative.

keep sticking around

Highlights remaining in a place or situation, often informally.

keep lingering

Implies staying longer than expected, often with a sense of hesitation.

continue to associate

Focuses on maintaining a relationship or connection with someone.

remain connected

Stresses the ongoing nature of a bond or link.

persist in staying

Highlights determination to remain in a specific state or location.

don't give up

A general encouragement to persevere despite difficulties.

keep going

Simple encouragement to continue moving forward.

stay put

Directs to remain in the current location or condition.

keep at it

Encourages continued effort towards a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "keep hanging" in a sentence?

You can use "keep hanging" to mean to continue to spend time in a place or with someone. For example: "Even though I was fired, I "keep hanging around" the store because I like the people there."

What's a more formal way to say "keep hanging in there"?

For more formal situations, you could use phrases like "remain resilient", "persevere", or "maintain tenacity".

When is it appropriate to use "keep hanging"?

It is appropriate to use "keep hanging" in informal and casual conversations, or in situations where you want to encourage someone to persist or remain in a situation. It might not be the best choice for very formal or professional communications.

What does "keep hanging" mean?

"Keep hanging" typically means to continue to stay in a particular place or situation, or to continue associating with someone, often implying a sense of persistence or resilience.