What are the definitions of “fawn over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Praise someone in an excessive way to get their favour or something from them.
She FAWNED OVER the inspectors in the hope that they would give her a good grade.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fawn over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fawn over is to praise someone excessively or show a lot of attention to someone in order to gain their favor or get something from them. It often implies insincerity or flattery.
What are the different verb forms of “fawn over”?
| Root Verb | fawn over |
| Third Person Singular Present | fawns over |
| Present Participle | fawning over |
| Simple Past | fawned over |
| Past Participle | fawned over |
Example
She always fawns over her boss to get better assignments.
Example
He fawns over the teacher to get extra credit.
Example
They are fawning over the celebrity to get a photo with him.
Example
She fawned over the inspectors in the hope that they would give her a good grade.
Example
He had fawned over his boss for years, hoping for a promotion.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fawn over”?
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 over” 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 over the inspectors.
Example
He fawned over his boss 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 over” 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 over the inspectors.
Example
He fawned over his boss to get a promotion.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fawn over”?
Good things to know
Does “fawn over” have an informal or formal tone?
Fawn over is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, in very formal situations, it might be more appropriate to use synonyms like 'flatter' or 'ingratiate oneself with'.
