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Phrasal verbs "clown around" vs "fool around"

Differences between clown around and fool around

Clown around and fool around are very similar in meaning, but clown around often implies a more humorous or playful tone, while fool around can have a slightly negative connotation.

Meanings and Definitions: clown around vs fool around

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Clown around

  • 1Behave stupidly or waste time.

    I couldn't concentrate because they were CLOWNING AROUND all afternoon.

Fool around

  • 1Not be serious.

    The teacher was angry because the class were FOOLING AROUND.

  • 2Be unfaithful.

    She suspects her husband is FOOLING AROUND with one of her friends.

Usage Examples: clown around, fool around in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

clown around

Example

My friends always clown around during lunch break.

Example

He clowns around in class and makes everyone laugh.

fool around

Example

They often fool around during breaks.

Example

He fools around in class instead of paying attention.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Clown around

act silly

To behave in a playful or humorous way that is not serious.

Example

The kids love to act silly and make funny faces in front of the camera.

mess around

To engage in playful or mischievous behavior without any particular goal or purpose.

Example

We spent the afternoon messing around in the park and playing frisbee.

joke around

To make jokes or humorous comments in a playful or teasing way.

Example

He likes to joke around with his coworkers and make them laugh during lunch breaks.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fool around

waste time

To spend time doing something unproductive or unnecessary.

Example

Stop wasting time on your phone and start studying for the exam.

procrastinate

To delay or postpone doing something that needs to be done.

Example

I always procrastinate when it comes to doing my taxes, but this year I'm determined to do them early.

dilly-dally

To waste time by being indecisive or slow in taking action.

Example

We don't have all day, so stop dilly-dallying and make a decision already.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “clown”

Phrasal Verbs with “fool”

Differences in clown around vs fool around: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: clown around or fool around?

Both clown around and fool around are commonly used in everyday conversation, but clown around is slightly less common than fool around.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of clown around and fool around

Both clown around and fool around are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of clown around and fool around

Clown around often carries a lighthearted and playful tone, while fool around can have a slightly negative or disapproving tone, especially when referring to wasting time or being unproductive.

clown around & fool around: Synonyms and Antonyms

Clown around

Synonyms

  • fool around
  • mess around
  • act silly
  • horse around
  • play around
  • joke around
  • monkey around

Antonyms

Fool around

Synonyms

  • mess around
  • play around
  • act up
  • joke around
  • lark about

Antonyms

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