What does the phrasal verb “doss about” mean?

What are the definitions of “doss about”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Spend time doing very little or being unproductive.

  I couldn't get down to my work and DOSSED ABOUT all night.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “doss about”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb doss about is to spend time doing very little or being unproductive. It often refers to wasting time or not using it efficiently. For example, it can mean spending hours watching TV instead of doing something productive.

What are the different verb forms of “doss about”?

Root Verb	doss about
Third Person Singular Present	dosses about
Present Participle	dossing about
Simple Past	dossed about
Past Participle	dossed about

Example

He always dosses about when he should be studying.

Example

She dosses about on her phone instead of doing her homework.

Example

He is dossing about instead of helping with the chores.

Example

Yesterday, they dossed about all day and didn't get anything done.

Example

The whole weekend was dossed about, and now they have to catch up on work.

What kind of phrasal verb is “doss about”?

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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

“doss about” 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

He dossed about all day instead of cleaning the house.

Example

She dossed about instead of finishing her project.

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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

“doss about” 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

He dossed about all day instead of cleaning the house.

Example

She dossed about instead of finishing her project.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “doss about”?

Doss around

Similar to *doss about*, meaning to spend time doing very little or being unproductive.

Example

He spent the whole weekend dossing around and didn't finish his assignment.

Doss down

To sleep somewhere, usually in a temporary or makeshift bed.

Example

After the party, they dossed down on the living room floor.

Doss off

To fall asleep, especially when not intending to.

Example

He dossed off during the boring lecture.

Good things to know

Does “doss about” have an informal or formal tone?

Doss about is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It is not suitable for formal settings or writing. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as 'waste time' or 'procrastinate' can be used.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “doss about”?

Synonyms

• procrastinate
• loaf
• idle
• lounge
• waste time
• laze around
• do nothing
• fritter away time

Antonyms

• work
• focus
• concentrate
• accomplish
• achieve
• complete
• succeed
• be productive