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Which is correct: Hanged Up The Phone or Hung Up The Phone?
The meaning of “hanged” may surprise you. “Hanged up the phone” is grammatically incorrect. It’s always “hung up the phone” when using the past form.
Learn the reasons why in this post and read some examples to help you use this phrasal verb effectively in sentences.
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“Hang Up The Phone” Meaning
In English, “to hang up” can mean to end a telephone conversation by putting the receiver down.
“To hang up on someone” is a phrase that is often used when you are angry with the person you are speaking to on the phone. You might hang up the phone suddenly or unexpectantly.
Hang Up The Phone or Hung Up The Phone?
The past form and past participle of “hang” is “hung.” Therefore, it is correct to say: “I hung up on him because I was so angry.”
Can We Say Hanged Up The Phone?
It is not grammatically correct to say “hanged up the phone.”
“Hanged” is the past form and past participle of a different meaning of “hang.” To hang someone is to kill them by tying a rope around their neck and letting them drop.
This meaning of “hang” isn’t used very often. It is only used in the context of death or the tragedy of suicide or when talking about historical executions.
So, remember: when you want to say that you ended a phone call, use the verb “hung up” in the past form. Don’t use “hanged.”
Example Sentences with “Hang Up”
- Can you please hang up and call back when you’re ready to talk?
- I’m sorry, I have to go. I’ll just quickly hang up.
- I was so angry with him I hung up on him.
- It’s impolite to hang up on someone.
- I wasn’t getting through to the company, so I hung up the phone.
- I asked Lucy on a date, but she hung up on me!
Example Sentences with “Hanged”
- The prisoners were hanged up by their feet.
- After he was caught, the criminal was hanged in the town square.
- The victim’s body was found with a rope around his neck, suggesting that he had been hanged.
- Hanging is an old-fashioned way to execute someone.
Meanings of The Verb “Hang”
The verb “hang” has multiple meanings, and the past form and past participle of “hang” can be either “hung” or “hanged.”
To suspend something
A common use of the verb “hang” is when you want to say that something is suspended from a higher place. For example, you might hang a picture on the wall or hang your coat on a hook.
The way it is fastened makes it free to move
“Hang” can also be used to describe the way something hangs on your body. For example, you might say that a dress hangs nicely or that a shirt hangs too low.
To pass the time socializing or relaxing
Another meaning of “hang” is to spend time in a place, especially when you’re not doing anything in particular. For example, you might say that you’re going to hang out at the beach all day or that you hung out with your friends last night.
To put the receiver down
The phrase “hang up” usually means to end a phone conversation by putting the receiver down. When you “hang up,” you are no longer talking to the other person on the phone.
To end a call suddenly
The phrase “hang up on someone” means to end a phone conversation abruptly, usually because you are angry with the other person.
A person suspended by a rope around their neck
“Hang” can also mean to kill someone by tying a rope around their neck and letting them drop and die. The past form and past participle is “hanged” when using the verb in this context. This is the only time we use “hanged.”
Other Meanings of “Hang Up”
Give up
The phrase “hang up” can also mean to give up something, especially a hobby or an activity that you used to enjoy. For example, you might say that you’re thinking of hanging up your boxing gloves or that you hung up your skis after the last time you went skiing.
Can’t stop thinking about someone
The phrase “to be hung up on” someone can mean to be obsessed with that person or to have a strong emotional attachment to them. For example, you might say that you’re hung up on your ex-girlfriend or that your brother is hung up on his car.
Hang or Hung Questions
Do you know the difference between hang and hung? Let’s see if you do!
1. I _____ the phone up on him because he was being so rude.
a) hung
b) hanged
2. We _____ out at the park all day.
a) hung
b) hanged
3. The criminals were _____ for their crimes.
a) hung
b) hanged
4. She _____ her head in shame.
a) hung
b) hanged
5. He _____ around with his friends all the time.
a) hung
b) hanged
6. I’m going to _____ my skis up after this season. I don’t think I’ll ski again.
a) hang
b) hanged
7. The picture _____ nicely on the wall.
a) hung
b) hanged
8. He’s really _____ up on his car. He washes and waxes it all the time!
a) hung
b) hanged
9. I’m _____ up on my ex-girlfriend. I can’t stop thinking about her.
a) hung
b) hanged
10. Are you going to _____ with me tonight?
a) hang
b) hung
Answers
- a
- a
- b
- a
- a
- a
- a
- a
- a
- a
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Hanged up the clothes or hung up the clothes?
The phrase “hung up the clothes” is grammatically correct. The past form and past participle of “hang” is “hung.”
Therefore, you should say: “I hung up the clothes on the line.”
In Conclusion
The phrase “hanged up the phone” is incorrect. The correct phrase is “hung up the phone.”
The past form and past participle of “hang” is “hung,” except when referring to a person being killed by a rope around their neck, in which case the past form and past participle is “hanged.”
We also mentioned other meanings behind the verb “hang” with a short quiz to help you retain your knowledge! Did you get all the questions right?
Leave a comment with an example sentence of the verb “hang.” We’re curious to see how creative you can get!
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Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.