What are the definitions of “clown around”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Behave stupidly or waste time.
I couldn't concentrate because they were CLOWNING AROUND all afternoon.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “clown around”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb clown around is to behave in a silly or foolish way, often to make people laugh or to waste time. It can be used to describe someone who is not taking a situation seriously or is distracting others.

What are the different verb forms of “clown around”?

Root Verb	clown around
Third Person Singular Present	clowns around
Present Participle	clowning around
Simple Past	clowned around
Past Participle	clowned around

Example

My friends always clown around during lunch break.

Example

He clowns around in class and makes everyone laugh.

Example

The kids were clowning around in the park.

Example

We clowned around at the party last night.

Example

They had clowned around all day instead of studying.

What kind of phrasal verb is “clown around”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“clown around” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

She clowned around during the meeting.

Example

The children clowned around in the playground.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“clown around” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She clowned around during the meeting.

Example

The children clowned around in the playground.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “clown around”?

Clown around with someone

To engage in silly or foolish behavior with another person.

Example

My brother and I used to clown around with each other when we were kids.

Clown around at work

To behave in a silly or unprofessional manner while at work.

Example

He got in trouble for clowning around at work.

Clown around in school

To behave in a silly or disruptive manner during school hours.

Example

The teacher scolded the students for clowning around in school.

Good things to know

Does “clown around” have an informal or formal tone?

Clown around is an informal phrasal verb that is typically used in casual conversations and settings. It is not appropriate for formal situations or writing.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “clown around”?

Synonyms

fool around
mess around
act silly
horse around
play around
joke around
monkey around

Antonyms

behave
focus
concentrate
act seriously
work diligently
pay attention