What are the definitions of “fool around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not be serious.
The teacher was angry because the class were FOOLING AROUND.
- 2Be unfaithful.
She suspects her husband is FOOLING AROUND with one of her friends.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fool around”?
The phrasal verb fool around has two main meanings, with the first meaning being more common. The more common meaning is to not be serious and engage in playful or unserious behavior. The second meaning is more serious and refers to being unfaithful in a romantic relationship.
What are the different verb forms of “fool around”?
| Root Verb | fool around |
| Third Person Singular Present | fools around |
| Present Participle | fooling around |
| Simple Past | fooled around |
| Past Participle | fooled around |
Example
They often fool around during breaks.
Example
He fools around in class instead of paying attention.
Example
She's always fooling around with her friends after school.
Example
Yesterday, they fooled around in the park for hours.
Example
The group had fooled around and wasted time during practice.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fool 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
“fool 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 kids fool around in the playground every day.
Example
During lunch break, they like to fool around in the cafeteria.
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
“fool 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 kids fool around in the playground every day.
Example
During lunch break, they like to fool around in the cafeteria.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fool around”?
Infidelity and fooling around
The second meaning of 'fool around' refers to being unfaithful in a romantic relationship.
Example
He admitted to fooling around with someone else, and their relationship suffered.
Good things to know
Does “fool around” have an informal or formal tone?
The phrasal verb fool around is relatively informal and is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, or in relaxed settings. However, its meaning can range from playful behavior to infidelity, so it's important to use this expression thoughtfully based on the context and relationship with the listener.
