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Phrasal verbs "keep around" vs "mess around"

Differences between keep around and mess around

Keep around means to have something or someone nearby or available for future use or reference, while mess around means to waste time or engage in frivolous or unproductive activities.

Meanings and Definitions: keep around vs mess around

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Keep around

  • 1Keep something near you.

    I KEEP a dictionary AROUND when I'm doing my homework.

Mess around

  • 1Not be serious, play with something.

    I was MESSING AROUND on the internet because I couldn't be bothered to do any work.

  • 2Treat someone badly.

    She is always MESSING me AROUND and never does what she promises.

  • 3Have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent relationship.

    She's not faithful- she's been MESSING ABOUT since they got married.

Usage Examples: keep around, mess around in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

keep around

Example

I always keep around a pen and paper for taking notes.

Example

She keeps around a spare phone charger in her bag.

mess around

Example

He likes to mess around with his friends after school.

Example

She messes around on her phone instead of studying.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep around

hang onto

To keep or retain possession of something.

Example

I decided to hang onto my old textbooks in case I need to refer to them later.

hold onto

To keep or maintain a grip on something.

Example

She had to hold onto the railing tightly to avoid slipping on the icy stairs.

store away

To keep or put something in a safe or designated place for future use.

Example

I always store away my winter clothes during the summer months to save space.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Mess around

fool around

To engage in playful or silly activities without any serious purpose.

Example

The kids love to fool around and play games during recess.

waste time

To spend time doing something unproductive or unnecessary.

Example

I don't want to waste time watching TV all day. I have work to do.

play around

To engage in playful or lighthearted activities without any serious intention.

Example

We decided to play around with different paint colors before choosing the final one for the living room.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “keep”

Differences in keep around vs mess around: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: keep around or mess around?

In daily conversation, people use mess around more often than keep around. This is because mess around is used to describe a variety of situations where someone is not taking things seriously or is being playful. Keep around is not used as much, but it's still a common phrase that people use when they want to keep something or someone nearby.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of keep around and mess around

Keep around and mess around 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 keep around and mess around

The tone of keep around and mess around can differ based on context. Keep around often carries a practical or useful tone when related to keeping something or someone nearby, while mess around typically has a playful or unserious tone, especially when referring to wasting time or being silly.

keep around & mess around: Synonyms and Antonyms

Keep around

Antonyms

Mess around

Synonyms

Antonyms

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