What does the phrasal verb “doss around” mean?

What are the definitions of “doss around”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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

  I spent the afternoon DOSSING AROUND.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb doss around is to spend time doing very little or being unproductive. It often refers to lazy or idle behavior. For example, it can mean wasting time watching TV, lying on the couch, or just doing nothing.

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

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

Example

On weekends, he likes to doss around and relax.

Example

She dosses around when she should be studying.

Example

He is dossing around instead of helping with the chores.

Example

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

Example

We have dossed around too much this week; it's time to get back to work.

What kind of phrasal verb is “doss around”?

📝

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 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

He dossed around all day.

Example

She dossed around instead of doing her homework.

📝

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 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

He dossed around all day.

Example

She dossed around instead of doing her homework.

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

Doss about

Another way to say 'doss around', meaning to spend time doing very little or being unproductive.

Example

He spent the whole day dossing about and not accomplishing anything.

Doss down

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

Example

We dossed down on the floor at our friend's house after the party.

Doss house

A cheap, low-quality lodging or shelter, often for homeless people.

Example

He had nowhere to go, so he ended up staying at a doss house for the night.

Good things to know

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

Doss around is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It is not suitable for formal settings or professional communication. In more formal contexts, consider using synonyms like 'waste time' or 'be unproductive'.

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

Synonyms

• loaf
• idle
• procrastinate
• lounge
• relax
• laze around
• waste time
• chill

Antonyms for {keyword}

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