What are the definitions of “fawn on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Praise someone in an excessive way to get their favour or something from them.
He's always FAWNING ON his boss to try to get promoted.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fawn on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fawn on is to praise someone excessively or show exaggerated affection in order to gain their favor or something from them. It often has a negative connotation, implying insincerity or manipulation.
What are the different verb forms of “fawn on”?
| Root Verb | fawn on |
| Third Person Singular Present | fawns on |
| Present Participle | fawning on |
| Simple Past | fawned on |
| Past Participle | fawned on |
Example
She always fawns on her teacher to get better grades.
Example
He fawns on his boss to try to get a promotion.
Example
They are fawning on the celebrity to get an autograph.
Example
She fawned on the director to get a role in the movie.
Example
He had fawned on his manager to secure a better position.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fawn on”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“fawn on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She fawned on her teacher to get better grades.
Example
He fawned on his boss to try to get a promotion.
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
“fawn on” 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 fawned on her teacher to get better grades.
Example
He fawned on his boss to try to get a promotion.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fawn on”?
Good things to know
Does “fawn on” have an informal or formal tone?
Fawn on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in informal conversations or when discussing personal relationships. In more formal settings, it may be replaced with synonyms such as 'flatter' or 'ingratiate oneself with.'
