hang together
B2informal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
To remain united and supportive of one another.
To be logical and consistent; for the parts of something to form a coherent whole.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used figuratively. Literal 'hanging together' is rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage or meaning.
Connotations
Both varieties carry the same connotations of unity, support, and coherence.
Frequency
Equally common and idiomatic in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject (people/group)] + hang together[Subject (idea/story)] + hang togetherVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Through thick and thin (for people)”
- “Hold water (for an argument)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"For the merger to succeed, the two teams need to hang together."
Academic
"The various strands of his thesis don't quite hang together."
Everyday
"We're a family; we have to hang together during tough times."
Technical
Rarely used in purely technical contexts outside of describing system cohesion.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The squad will hang together despite the poor results.
- Her alibi doesn't hang together under scrutiny.
American English
- The community hung together after the storm.
- His theory hangs together surprisingly well.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My friends and I always hang together at the weekend.
- The players promised to hang together for the rest of the season.
- The first chapter is interesting, but the rest of the book doesn't hang together.
- Despite internal disagreements, the coalition managed to hang together long enough to pass the bill.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a coat hanging neatly on a single hook – all its parts (sleeves, collar) are together in one piece.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNITY IS PHYSICAL CONNECTION / LOGICAL CONSISTENCY IS STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation: 'висеть вместе' is incorrect. Use 'держаться вместе' (for people) or 'быть логичным/связным' (for ideas).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hang with together' (incorrect preposition).
- Using it literally (e.g., 'The pictures hang together on the wall').
Practice
Quiz
What does 'hang together' mean in this sentence: 'If we're going to win, we have to hang together'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a phrasal verb that is not usually separated (e.g., we don't say 'hang it together').
Yes, but only figuratively to mean 'be coherent' (e.g., 'The plot hangs together'). Not for literal physical connection.
'Hang together' emphasizes unity in the face of difficulty or for a purpose. 'Get along' simply means to have a good relationship.
It is neutral to informal. In very formal writing, synonyms like 'remain united' or 'be coherent' might be preferred.
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