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Phrasal verbs "lark around" vs "toss around"

Differences between lark around and toss around

Lark around means to behave in a playful or silly way, while toss around means to discuss or consider something casually without taking it seriously.

Meanings and Definitions: lark around vs toss around

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Lark around

  • 1Behave in a silly way.

    The students wouldn't stop LARKING AROUND.

Toss around

  • 1Discuss something freely and openly, but not very seriously.

    We TOSSED their plan AROUND a bit and then rejected it.

Usage Examples: lark around, toss around in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

lark around

Example

The children were larking around in the park.

Example

He always larks around when he should be studying.

toss around

Example

They toss around ideas for the new project.

Example

She tosses around suggestions for the party theme.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Lark around

mess about

To behave in a playful or silly way.

Example

We spent the afternoon messing about in the park, playing frisbee and having a picnic.

fool around

To behave in a silly or playful way, often wasting time or being unproductive.

Example

He needs to stop fooling around and start studying for his exams.

act the goat

To behave in a silly or foolish way, often to make others laugh.

Example

The kids were acting the goat and making funny faces during the school assembly.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Toss around

bandy about

To discuss or exchange ideas or opinions in a casual or informal way.

Example

We were bandying about some ideas for the new marketing campaign during the meeting.

kick around

To discuss or consider something informally or casually.

Example

We've been kicking around some ideas for our next vacation destination, but haven't decided yet.

bat around

To discuss or consider something in a casual or informal way, often without reaching a conclusion.

Example

We've been batting around some ideas for the company's rebranding, but we need to finalize the plan soon.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “lark”

Phrasal Verbs with “toss”

Differences in lark around vs toss around: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: lark around or toss around?

In daily conversation, people use lark around more often than toss around. This is because lark around is used for more social situations and having fun with friends. Toss around is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about discussing ideas or opinions in a casual way. So, while both phrases are used, lark around is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of lark around and toss around

Lark around and toss 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 lark around and toss around

The tone of lark around and toss around can differ based on context. Lark around often carries a light-hearted and fun tone, while toss around typically has a more serious and thoughtful tone, especially when referring to discussing ideas or opinions.

lark around & toss around: Synonyms and Antonyms

Lark around

Synonyms

  • frolic
  • cavort
  • fool around
  • mess around
  • play around
  • horse around
  • romping

Antonyms

Toss around

Synonyms

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