What are the definitions of “faff about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Behave indecisively.
He told her to stop FAFFING ABOUT and make her mind up.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “faff about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb faff about is to behave indecisively or to waste time doing unimportant things. It is often used to describe someone who is not focused or is procrastinating.
What are the different verb forms of “faff about”?
| Root Verb | faff about |
| Third Person Singular Present | faffs about |
| Present Participle | faffing about |
| Simple Past | faffed about |
| Past Participle | faffed about |
Example
She always faffs about before starting her homework.
Example
He faffs about when he should be studying.
Example
They are faffing about instead of getting ready for the party.
Example
Yesterday, she faffed about all day and didn't finish her project.
Example
He had faffed about for too long and missed the deadline.
What kind of phrasal verb is “faff about”?
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
“faff 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
Stop faffing about and make a decision.
Example
She faffed about all morning instead of cleaning her room.
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
“faff 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
Stop faffing about and make a decision.
Example
She faffed about all morning instead of cleaning her room.
Good things to know
Does “faff about” have an informal or formal tone?
Faff about is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It is not suitable for formal writing or professional settings. Instead, use synonyms like 'procrastinate' or 'dawdle' in more formal contexts.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “faff about”?
Synonyms
- procrastinate
- dawdle
- linger
- loiter
- stall
- dilly-dally
- waste time
- hesitate
Antonyms
- focus
- concentrate
- decide
- act
- hurry
- work efficiently
- be decisive
- make progress
