Grammar fix
hang together
form a coherent whole
If the parts of a story or argument hang together, they form a clear and believable whole.
phrasal verb
How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The witness's account does not hang together because the times keep changing.
I watched a thriller last night, and honestly the plot didn't really hang together — the ending made no sense at all.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: His story doesn't stick together — the times keep changing.
Say: His story doesn't hang together — the times keep changing.
'Stick together' is about people staying loyal to each other; for the parts of a story fitting, say 'hang together'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
A story or reason seems logical
What is being assessedGeneral logicConnected parts
make senseAn explanation is understandable and reasonable.add upFacts or an explanation fit together logically; often negative.
hang togetherYou're here · The parts of a story or argument form a coherent whole.