Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding 'Hang On': Definition, Use & History

📖 Definition

To 'hang on' means to persist or endure in the face of difficulty or to wait for a short period. It is often used to indicate perseverance, patience, or maintaining one's grip, either literally or figuratively. The phrase can also imply a temporary pause during a conversation.

Examples in context

Hang on, help will be here soon, so stay calm and collected.
As the storm worsened, everyone had to hang on to their hopes.
They told us to hang on for additional instructions from the supervisor.

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb can’t be split by objects.

Informal

Mostly used in casual or conversational contexts.

Transitive

There is no direct object required to complete the expression.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	hang on	You need to hang on until help arrives.
Past Simple	hung on	They hung on despite the harsh conditions.
Present Continuous	hanging on	We are hanging on and hoping for the best.
Present Perfect	have hung on	The team has hung on through many challenges.

💡 When to Use

During tough times

Use when encouraging someone to endure difficult situations or challenges.

Example: "You'll need to hang on until things improve."

Asking someone to wait

Suitable for asking someone to pause momentarily during a conversation or activity.

Example: "Hang on while I grab the details for you."

On the phone

Used when requesting someone to stay on the line briefly.

Example: "Can you hang on for a minute while I check?"

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using with a direct object

❌ Wrong: I hung on my keys.

✅ Correct: I hung onto my keys.

💡 Tip: Remember 'hang on' is intransitive.

Separable verb assumption

❌ Wrong: Hang the conversation on.

✅ Correct: Hang on while we talk.

💡 Tip: Don't split 'hang on' with words.

Formal context misuse

❌ Wrong: In the report, please hang on until further notice.

✅ Correct: In the report, please hold off until further notice.

💡 Tip: 'Hang on' is informal.

Practice

HANG ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Hang on, help will be here soon, so stay calm and collected.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

As the storm worsened, everyone had to hang on to their hopes.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

They told us to hang on for additional instructions from the supervisor.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

persevere endure

Antonyms

quit

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"In the chaos, she managed to ___ on to her composure."

hold

hang on

catch

fasten

"Hang on to hope, for in times of despair, it's the anchor that keeps us grounded in the promise of better days ahead."

In Context

In the winter of 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, the largest and bloodiest single battle fought by the United States during World War II, American soldiers found themselves entrenched in the Ardennes Forest. As the German forces launched their last major offensive against the Allies, a young lieutenant named James Foster held his ground with his platoon, urging them to hang on despite the piercing cold and unrelenting enemy fire. The conditions were dire. Supplies were thin, and the relentless snowstorms were as unforgiving as the enemy. The commander sent word to hang on as reinforcements were on their way, but every minute felt like an eternity. At dawn, when the skies finally cleared, Foster and his men witnessed a glimmer of hope on the horizon—the silhouettes of Allied tanks advancing to their aid. They had hung on by sheer will and determination, a testament to their resilience and courage. By nightfall, the tides turned as reinforcements pushed the Germans back, and victory was at hand. The battle marked a turning point, showcasing the tenacity of those who chose to hang on when all seemed lost, forever etching their story into the annals of history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hang On

What is the origin of hang on?

The phrasal verb 'hang on' originates from the Middle English period, where 'hang' meant to cling or adhere. The expression evolved to indicate persistence or waiting, drawing from the literal sense of holding onto something physically or mentally in challenging situations.

Can hang on be used in formal and informal contexts?

The phrase 'hang on' is primarily informal. It is commonly used in conversational or casual settings to ask someone to wait briefly or to encourage perseverance. In formal writing or communication, alternative expressions like 'remain patient' or 'hold on' are typically preferred.

What is the difference between hang on and persevere?

'Hang on' usually implies a short-term waiting period or holding onto hope in casual contexts, while 'persevere' suggests a continued effort over a prolonged period, often implying dedication and resilience. 'Persevere' is more formal and can be used in a wider range of situations.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

HANG ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hang On

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega