1 B2 idiomatic neutral
Of an argument, story, or plan: to be logically coherent and consistent.
"The film is entertaining, but the plot doesn't really hang together by the end."
hang together
B2 neutral intransitive
To be logically consistent and coherent, or to remain united as a group.
In plain English
To make sense as a whole, or to stay as a united group.
What does "hang together" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
Of people: to remain united or to work together as a group.
"If we hang together through this difficult period, we'll come out stronger."
“
"We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."
— Benjamin Franklin (attributed), remark at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 1776
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To hang (stay suspended) together (as a unit, without falling apart).
Actually means
To make sense as a whole, or to stay as a united group.
Usage tip
Used in two main ways: (1) describing a plan, argument, or story being coherent and logical, and (2) describing people remaining unified. The first sense is more common. Often used in critical discussion of texts, plans, or arguments.
Words that pair with "hang together"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
argument story plan case team narrative
How to conjugate "hang together"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hang together
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hangs together
he/she/it
Past simple
hung together
yesterday
Past participle
hung together
have + pp
-ing form
hanging together
continuous
Hear "hang together" in the wild
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Other ways to say "hang together"
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