Differences between fool about and scout about
Fool about means to waste time doing unimportant or silly things, while scout about means to search or look around for something.
Meanings and Definitions: fool about vs scout about
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Fool about
- 1Not be serious.
They were FOOLING ABOUT and wouldn't settle down.
- 2Be unfaithful.
Their marriage broke down because he kept FOOLING ABOUT.
Scout about
- 1Look in different places for something.
The company is SCOUTING ABOUT for new staff.
Usage Examples: fool about, scout about in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
fool about
Example
The children were fooling about in the playground.
Example
He always fools about during class and distracts others.
scout about
Example
I need to scout about for a new apartment.
Example
She scouts about for the best deals when shopping.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fool about
kill time
To do something to pass the time while waiting for something else.
Example
We played cards to kill time while waiting for our flight at the airport.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Scout about
To travel through an unfamiliar place or area to discover it.
Example
They decided to explore the city's historic district on foot.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “fool”
Phrasal Verbs with “scout”
Phrasal Verbs with “about”
Differences in fool about vs scout about: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: fool about or scout about?
In daily conversation, people use fool about less often than scout about. This is because fool about has a negative connotation and is usually used to criticize someone's behavior. Scout about is a more neutral phrase and can be used in various contexts.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of fool about and scout about
Fool about and scout about are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of fool about and scout about
The tone of fool about and scout about can differ based on context. Fool about often carries a disapproving or mocking tone when referring to someone's behavior, while scout about typically has a curious or investigative tone, especially when searching for something specific.
fool about & scout about: Synonyms and Antonyms
Fool about
Antonyms
- focus
- concentrate
- behave
- be serious
- work hard
- act responsibly