What are the definitions of “fiddle about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Waste time doing silly things, or doing things unsuccessfully.
We spent the whole afternoon FIDDLING ABOUT with the computer but couldn't get it to work.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fiddle about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fiddle about is to waste time doing unimportant or silly things, or doing things unsuccessfully. It often implies that someone is not focused or is not making progress on a task.
What are the different verb forms of “fiddle about”?
| Root Verb | fiddle about |
| Third Person Singular Present | fiddles about |
| Present Participle | fiddling about |
| Simple Past | fiddled about |
| Past Participle | fiddled about |
Example
She always fiddles about with her phone during meetings.
Example
He fiddles about with his pen when he's nervous.
Example
They are fiddling about with the remote control, trying to fix the TV.
Example
Yesterday, we fiddled about with the computer but couldn't get it to work.
Example
She had fiddled about with the radio until she found the right station.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fiddle 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
“fiddle 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 fiddling about and focus on your work.
Example
He fiddled about with the puzzle pieces for hours.
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
“fiddle 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 fiddling about and focus on your work.
Example
He fiddled about with the puzzle pieces for hours.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fiddle about”?
Good things to know
Does “fiddle about” have an informal or formal tone?
Fiddle about is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It is not commonly used in formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as 'waste time' or 'dawdle' can be used.
