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Phrasal verbs "goof around" vs "goof off"

Differences between goof around and goof off

Goof around and goof off are very similar in meaning, but goof off is slightly more informal and implies a greater degree of laziness or lack of productivity. Goof around can also be used to describe playful behavior, while goof off is more often used to describe wasting time.

Meanings and Definitions: goof around vs goof off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Goof around

  • 1Fool around, not be serious.

    We spent the weekend GOOFING AROUND.

Goof off

  • 1Avoid or leave work.

    We GOOFED OFF for the afternoon to watch the match.

Usage Examples: goof around, goof off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

goof around

Example

When we have free time, we often goof around in the park.

Example

He always goofs around when he should be studying.

goof off

Example

When the teacher is not around, students often goof off.

Example

He always goofs off when he should be studying.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Goof around

mess around

To engage in playful or silly behavior.

Example

The kids were messing around in the park, playing tag and climbing trees.

act silly

To behave in a foolish or playful manner.

Example

After a few drinks, he started to act silly and dance on the table.

have fun

To enjoy oneself and engage in enjoyable activities.

Example

We decided to have some fun and go to the amusement park for the day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Goof off

waste time

To spend time doing unproductive or unnecessary activities.

Example

He spent the whole afternoon wasting time on social media instead of working on his project.

slack off

To be lazy or neglectful of one's responsibilities.

Example

If you slack off at work, you might get fired.

procrastinate

To delay or put off doing something until later.

Example

She always procrastinates on her homework until the last minute.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “goof”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in goof around vs goof off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: goof around or goof off?

Both phrases are commonly used in casual conversation, but goof around is slightly more common than goof off.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of goof around and goof off

Neither phrase is particularly formal, but goof off is more informal than goof around.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of goof around and goof off

Both phrases have a lighthearted and playful tone, but goof off can also have a slightly negative connotation if it implies that someone is being unproductive or lazy.

goof around & goof off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Goof around

Synonyms

  • dally
  • loaf
  • lark
  • fool around
  • mess around
  • play around
  • fiddle around
  • muck about
  • horse around
  • clown around

Antonyms

Goof off

Synonyms

Antonyms

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