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Phrasal verbs "mess around with" vs "mess with"

Differences between mess around with and mess with

Mess around with means to spend time doing something without a specific goal or purpose, often in a playful or lighthearted way. Mess with means to interfere with or cause harm to someone or something, often in a malicious or threatening way.

Meanings and Definitions: mess around with vs mess with

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Mess around with

  • 1Have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent relationship.

    He's been MESSING ABOUT WITH a woman he works with.

  • 2Try to improve something, usually making things worse.

    The computer was working fine until they started MESSING ABOUT WITH it.

Mess with

  • 1Become involved in something damaging or dangerous.

    He's been MESSING WITH cocaine.

  • 2Annoy, bother.

    Don't MESS WITH me or there will be trouble.

  • 3Associate ( negative ).

    He's been MESSING WITH some dangerous people.

  • 4Try to repair or improve, usually unsuccessfully.

    She's been MESSING WITH it for hours and it still doesn't work.

Usage Examples: mess around with, mess with in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

mess around with

Example

I shouldn't have messed around with the settings on my phone.

Example

She messes around with her computer settings too much.

mess with

Example

Don't mess with dangerous chemicals.

Example

He messes with the wrong people and gets into trouble.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Mess around with

play around with

To experiment or try something out in a playful or casual way.

Example

He likes to play around with different recipes when he cooks dinner.

fool around with

To engage in playful or silly behavior, often in a way that is not productive or serious.

Example

Instead of studying for his exam, he decided to fool around with his friends at the park.

tinker with

To make small changes or adjustments to something in order to improve or customize it.

Example

She enjoys tinkering with her bike to make it faster and more efficient.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Mess with

interfere with

To get involved in someone else's business or affairs in a way that is unwanted or harmful.

Example

He warned them not to interfere with his personal life or relationships.

tamper with

To make unauthorized changes or alterations to something, often with the intention of causing harm or damage.

Example

The police suspected that someone had tampered with the evidence in the crime scene.

muck around with

To mess with or manipulate something in a way that is careless or reckless.

Example

He was told not to muck around with the machinery unless he had proper training and supervision.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “around with”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: mess around with or mess with?

In everyday conversation, mess around with is more common than mess with. Mess around with is used in a variety of contexts, such as trying out new hobbies or playing pranks on friends. Mess with, on the other hand, is used less frequently and usually in situations where there is a sense of danger or threat.

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

Both mess around with and mess with are informal phrases that are commonly used in casual conversations. However, mess with can also be used in more serious situations, such as legal or criminal contexts, where it may carry a more formal tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of mess around with and mess with

The tone of mess around with is generally playful or lighthearted, while the tone of mess with is often negative or threatening. Mess around with can convey a sense of curiosity or experimentation, while mess with can suggest aggression or hostility.

mess around with & mess with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Mess around with

Synonyms

  • fool with
  • tinker with
  • meddle with
  • tamper with
  • flirt with
  • have an affair with

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