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Phrasal verbs "toy over" vs "toy with"

Differences between toy over and toy with

Toy over means to think about something for a long time, often with indecision or uncertainty. Toy with means to play with something or someone, either physically or mentally, without any serious intention.

Meanings and Definitions: toy over vs toy with

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Toy over

  • 1Think about something.

    I TOYED OVER the idea for a while, but decided not to go ahead with it.

Toy with

  • 1Not eat much of a meal.

    It was horrible, so I just TOYED WITH the food.

  • 2Consider something, but not very seriously.

    We TOYED WITH the idea of moving to the country, but it isn't really practical.

  • 3Move or play with something to occupy your hands.

    He TOYED WITH his cup.

  • 4Treat insincerely.

    He thought she loved him but she was just TOYING WITH him.

Usage Examples: toy over, toy with in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

toy over

Example

She toyed over the idea of moving to a new city.

Example

He toys over the possibility of changing jobs.

toy with

Example

She toyed with the idea of going on a vacation.

Example

He toys with the thought of changing his job.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Toy over

mull over

To think about something carefully and for a long time before making a decision.

Example

She spent the whole night mulling over whether to accept the job offer or not.

ponder on

To consider or think about something deeply and seriously.

Example

He likes to ponder on the meaning of life during his morning walks.

dwell on

To think or talk about something at length, often in a negative or obsessive way.

Example

She tends to dwell on her mistakes instead of focusing on solutions.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Toy with

play around with

To experiment or have fun with something without any serious intention.

Example

He likes to play around with different recipes in the kitchen on weekends.

tease or flirt with

To playfully provoke or show interest in someone without any serious intention.

Example

She enjoys teasing with her coworkers during lunch breaks.

fiddle with

To handle or touch something without any clear purpose or intention.

Example

He kept fiddling with his phone during the meeting, distracting others.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “toy”

Differences in toy over vs toy with: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: toy over or toy with?

In daily conversation, people use toy with more often than toy over. This is because toy with is used for more playful and casual situations, while toy over is used for more serious and contemplative situations. However, both phrases are not very common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of toy over and toy with

Toy over and toy with 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 toy over and toy with

The tone of toy over and toy with can differ based on context. Toy over often carries a thoughtful or uncertain tone when related to decision-making or problem-solving, while toy with typically has a playful and lighthearted tone, especially when referring to playing with toys or teasing someone.

toy over & toy with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Toy over

Synonyms

Toy with

Synonyms

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