they hung out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they hung out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe spending time together in a casual or relaxed manner, typically among friends or acquaintances. Example: "After school, they hung out at the park, enjoying the warm weather and each other's company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They hung out in cybercafés.

The New Yorker

They hung out; they met for lunch.

The New York Times - Health

They hung out, had a few beers.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They hung out on 10th Avenue".

The New York Times

They hung out on the streets.

The New York Times

They hung out together in Spain.

The New York Times - Sports

They hung out, most notoriously, with Oscar Wilde.

The New Yorker

They hung out in Ivy Hill's parking lot.

The New York Times

They hung out with her good friends Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher.

The New York Times

For the next month or so, they hung out together as friends.

The New York Times

They hung out with the bands, and at the time they were 17, 18 years old.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using "they hung out". While common, it might not be suitable for formal or professional writing contexts. In such cases, consider alternatives like "they spent time together" or "they socialized".

Common error

Avoid using "they hung out" in formal documents or professional communications. Opt for more sophisticated phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they hung out" functions as a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, describing a casual or relaxed manner of spending time together.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they hung out" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe people spending time together informally. As supported by Ludwig, it's best suited for casual contexts, as it signals relaxed social interactions. While incredibly frequent in media and everyday conversations, remember to opt for more formal language when composing professional or academic writing. Consider alternative options such as "they spent time together" or "they socialized" when a more sophisticated tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they spent time together

More formal and general, lacking the casual connotation of "hung out".

they chilled

More informal, suggesting relaxation and ease.

they kicked back

Informal, emphasizing relaxation and leisure.

they socialized

Implies interaction and engagement, not just passive presence.

they linked up

Suggests a planned or arranged meeting.

they got together

Focuses on the act of meeting, rather than the activity.

they passed the time

A neutral phrase for spending time.

they whiled away the time

Highlights the act of passing time, often leisurely.

they fraternized

Suggests a closer, more brotherly or sisterly bond.

they congregated

Implies a gathering, possibly for a specific purpose.

FAQs

What does "they hung out" mean?

The phrase "they hung out" means that a group of people spent time together in a casual or informal way. It suggests a relaxed and unstructured social interaction.

What can I say instead of "they hung out"?

You can use alternatives like "they spent time together", "they socialized", or "they chilled" depending on the context.

Is "they hung out" grammatically correct?

Yes, "they hung out" is grammatically correct as an informal phrasal verb. However, its appropriateness depends on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "they hung out"?

It's appropriate to use "they hung out" in informal conversations, casual writing, and when describing relaxed social situations. Avoid it in formal or professional contexts where a more sophisticated tone is required.