What are the definitions of “fart about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Waste time doing silly things.
The manager was angry because the staff were FARTING ABOUT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fart about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fart about is to waste time doing unimportant or silly things instead of focusing on important tasks. It is often used to describe someone who is not being productive or is procrastinating.
What are the different verb forms of “fart about”?
| Root Verb | fart about |
| Third Person Singular Present | farts about |
| Present Participle | farting about |
| Simple Past | farted about |
| Past Participle | farted about |
Example
Stop farting about and get to work!
Example
He always farts about when he should be studying.
Example
She is farting about instead of cleaning her room.
Example
Yesterday, they farted about all day and didn't finish their project.
Example
The work was not completed because they had farted about too much.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fart 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
“fart 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 farted about all day instead of doing his homework.
Example
She farted about when she should have been preparing for the meeting.
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
“fart 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 farted about all day instead of doing his homework.
Example
She farted about when she should have been preparing for the meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fart about”?
Fart about/around
Both *fart about* and *fart around* have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.
Example
He spent the whole day farting around instead of finishing his report.
Good things to know
Does “fart about” have an informal or formal tone?
Fart about is considered informal and is not appropriate for formal settings or professional communication. It is more suitable for casual conversations among friends or family members.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “fart about”?
Synonyms
- procrastinate
- dawdle
- loaf
- lollygag
- waste time
- dilly-dally
- mess around
Antonyms
- focus
- concentrate
- work diligently
- be productive
- get to work
- be efficient
