hang on
No objectThis verb takes no object at all.
How to say it
Stress the particle, not the verb: hang ON. Saying “HANG on” is the clearest learner tell — the verb stays light and the particle carries the beat.
Link across the gap. The final /ŋ/ of “hang” moves onto the particle and starts its syllable: “hang on” is said “ha-ngon”. Pausing between the words is what makes phrasal verbs sound recited rather than spoken.
2 meanings
- 1
To wait a short time.
informal- “Hang on — I'll check the calendar.”
- “Hang on a second, that's not what she said.”
Similar: hold on, wait
- 2
To hold something tightly, or to persevere.
- “Hang on to the rail — it's slippery.”
Similar: grip, persevere