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Phrasal verbs "clown around" vs "joke around"

Differences between clown around and joke around

Clown around usually means to behave in a silly or foolish way, often to make people laugh or to entertain them, whereas joke around generally means to make jokes or humorous remarks in a playful or lighthearted manner.

Meanings and Definitions: clown around vs joke 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.

Joke around

  • 1Be funny, or try to.

    He's always JOKING AROUND in class.

Usage Examples: clown around, joke 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.

joke around

Example

He always jokes around with his friends.

Example

She jokes around at work to lighten the mood.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Clown around

act the fool

To behave in a silly or foolish way, often to make people laugh or to entertain them.

Example

He likes to act the fool at parties by wearing funny hats and telling jokes.

mess around

To behave in a playful or silly way, often without any serious purpose.

Example

The kids like to mess around in the park by playing tag and climbing trees.

goof off

To waste time or behave in a silly or unproductive way, often instead of doing something more important.

Example

He got in trouble at work for goofing off instead of finishing his report on time.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Joke around

tease

To make fun of someone or playfully mock them in a lighthearted way.

Example

She likes to tease her brother about his messy room, but they both know she's joking.

banter

To exchange playful remarks or witty comments in a good-natured way.

Example

The coworkers enjoyed some friendly banter during their lunch break.

ribbing

To tease or joke with someone in a playful or good-natured way.

Example

He took some good-natured ribbing from his friends after he spilled his drink at the party.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “clown”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: clown around or joke around?

Both clown around and joke around are commonly used in informal conversations. However, joke around is slightly more common than clown around. This is because joke around can be used in a wider range of contexts, such as when friends are teasing each other or when someone is trying to lighten the mood.

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

Neither clown around nor joke around are formal phrases. They are both 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 professional tone.

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

The tone of clown around and joke around can differ based on context. Clown around often carries a more physical and exaggerated tone when related to performing or entertaining, while joke around typically has a more verbal and witty tone, especially when referring to making humorous remarks or teasing someone.

clown around & joke around: Synonyms and Antonyms

Clown around

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

Joke around

Synonyms

  • banter
  • kid
  • tease
  • play
  • fool around
  • make fun
  • amuse oneself

Antonyms

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