What are the definitions of “float around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To be present or available in a place without a specific location.
There’s a pen floating around here somewhere.
- 2To move or drift aimlessly or without purpose.
These characters were floating around in a social vacuum.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “float around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb float around is to be present or available in a place without a specific location. It can also mean to move or drift aimlessly or without purpose.
What are the different verb forms of “float around”?
| Root Verb | float around |
| Third Person Singular Present | floats around |
| Present Participle | floating around |
| Simple Past | floated around |
| Past Participle | floated around |
Example
There's a rumor floating around the office.
Example
She floats around the party, not really talking to anyone.
Example
There are several ideas floating around for the new project.
Example
The balloon floated around the room before it popped.
Example
The rumors have floated around for weeks, but no one knows the truth.
What kind of phrasal verb is “float around”?
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
“float around” 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
The smell of fresh cookies floated around the house.
Example
He floated around the party, not really engaging with anyone.
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
“float around” 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
The smell of fresh cookies floated around the house.
Example
He floated around the party, not really engaging with anyone.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “float around”?
Good things to know
Does “float around” have an informal or formal tone?
Float around is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
