hang the washing vs Hang up the washing

Both 'hang the washing' and 'hang up the washing' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Hang the washing' is commonly used in British English to mean hanging clothes on a washing line to dry. On the other hand, 'hang up the washing' is more commonly used in American English to mean putting clothes on a hanger or hook after they have been washed.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1805 views

hang the washing

This phrase is correct, especially in British English, where it means to hang clothes on a washing line to dry.

This phrase is commonly used in British English to refer to the act of hanging clothes on a washing line to dry.

Examples:

I need to go outside and hang the washing before it starts raining.
She spends her mornings hanging the washing in the backyard.

Show examples from the web [+]

l've never seen you hang the washing, why so vain?
There's nowhere to hang your washing out.
I can't wait to have a proper garden to hang me washing out.
They even hang their washing outside now!
Some colleagues can't even hang out their washing, in case they'll be identified as Ertzainas because of their clothes.
But hang on, if you're going out tonight, who's going to make us dinner and do the washing up?
Re-hang the test carcases on the evisceration line to continue through the normal processes of washing, chilling, dripping, etc.
The washing agent suppliers shall provide declarations of the aromatic hydrocarbon contents in the washing agents.
The washing agent suppliers shall provide declarations of the aromatic hydrocarbon contents in the washing agents.
We're doing the washing powder, right, hanging the washing on the line.
The manufacturer shall offer the take-back, free of charge, for recycling of the washing machines and of components being replaced by himself or by any commissioned company, except for washing machines which are not complete or contain components which do not belong to the washing machine.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide technical specification from the professional technicians responsible for the manufacture, sale or maintenance of the washing machines or evidence that the washing machines have been awarded the Community eco-label.
Assessment and verification: The applicant shall provide technical specification from the professional technicians responsible for the manufacture, sale or maintenance of the washing machines or evidence that the washing machines have been awarded the Community eco-label.
The applicant shall provide a technical report from the professional technicians responsible for the manufacture, sale or maintenance of the washing machines or evidence that the washing machines have been awarded the Community eco-label.
Absolution is the washing away of sin...
David wants to know how to use the washing machine.
Let me help with the washing, love.
Be the good little wife and do the washing.
You need a degree to use the washing machines.
Superman could crush Lois Lane after an argument about the washing-up.

Alternatives:

hang out the washing
hang the laundry
hang clothes to dry

Hang up the washing

This phrase is correct, especially in American English, where it means to put clothes on a hanger or hook after washing.

This phrase is commonly used in American English to refer to the act of putting clothes on a hanger or hook after they have been washed.