What are the definitions of “flip through”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Look quickly through a magazine, book, etc.
I FLIPPED THROUGH the latest issue of the magazine in the shop and decided to buy it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “flip through”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb flip through is to quickly look or skim through a book, magazine, or other printed material. It often implies that the person is not reading the content in detail but is browsing or scanning the pages.
What are the different verb forms of “flip through”?
| Root Verb | flip through |
| Third Person Singular Present | flips through |
| Present Participle | flipping through |
| Simple Past | flipped through |
| Past Participle | flipped through |
Example
I flip through the newspaper every morning to catch the headlines.
Example
She flips through the fashion magazine while waiting at the salon.
Example
He is flipping through the cookbook, looking for a new recipe to try.
Example
Yesterday, they flipped through the travel brochure to find their next vacation destination.
Example
The old photo album had been flipped through many times, showing signs of wear.
What kind of phrasal verb is “flip through”?
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
“flip through” 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
I flipped through the magazine to find the article.
Example
She flipped through the book to see if it was interesting.
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
“flip through” 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
I flipped through the magazine to find the article.
Example
She flipped through the book to see if it was interesting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “flip through”?
Quickly go through the slides of a presentation, usually to get an overview or find a specific slide.
Example
Before the meeting, he flipped through the presentation to make sure everything was in order.
Good things to know
Does “flip through” have an informal or formal tone?
Flip through is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in a business meeting or academic presentation.
