Help center

Phrasal verbs "horse around" vs "monkey around"

Differences between horse around and monkey around

Horse around and monkey around are both informal phrasal verbs that mean to waste time or behave in a silly or playful manner. However, horse around is often used for physical play or roughhousing, while monkey around is more commonly used for non-physical play or mischief-making.

Meanings and Definitions: horse around vs monkey around

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Horse around

  • 1Not be serious.

    The class were HORSING AROUND when the teacher came in and told them to sit down.

Monkey around

  • 1Not be serious.

    The police officer told the drunks to stop MONKEYING AROUND and go home quietly.

Usage Examples: horse around, monkey around in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

horse around

Example

The kids love to horse around in the park after school.

Example

He always horses around during class, which distracts the other students.

monkey around

Example

The kids were monkeying around in the playground.

Example

He always monkeys around when he should be studying.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Horse around

play rough

To play in a physical or aggressive manner.

Example

The boys like to play rough and horse around in the backyard.

act up

To behave in a disruptive or unruly manner.

Example

The kids were acting up and horsing around during class, so the teacher had to separate them.

fool around

To engage in playful or frivolous behavior.

Example

We spent the afternoon fooling around and horsing around at the park.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Monkey around

mess around

To engage in playful or idle activity, often with no particular purpose.

Example

We spent the day messing around and monkeying around with our new camera.

play pranks

To engage in mischievous or playful behavior intended to trick or amuse others.

Example

The kids like to play pranks and monkey around with their friends on April Fool's Day.

act silly

To behave in a foolish or ridiculous manner.

Example

We were acting silly and monkeying around at the party, taking funny photos and telling jokes.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with โ€œaroundโ€

Differences in horse around vs monkey around: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: horse around or monkey around?

Both horse around and monkey around are used in casual conversations, but horse around is slightly more common in American English. Monkey around is more commonly used in British English.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of horse around and monkey around

Neither horse around nor monkey around are formal expressions. They are suitable for use in informal settings with friends and family, but not in professional or academic contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of horse around and monkey around

Both horse around and monkey around have a playful and lighthearted tone. However, horse around can also carry a slightly aggressive or competitive tone when used in the context of physical play.

horse around & monkey around: Synonyms and Antonyms

Horse around

Synonyms

  • romp
  • fool around
  • play around
  • mess around
  • clown around
  • act up
  • monkey around

Antonyms

Monkey around

Synonyms

Antonyms

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!