What are the definitions of “goof around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Fool around, not be serious.
We spent the weekend GOOFING AROUND.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “goof around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb goof around is to behave in a silly way, not being serious, or to spend time doing nothing important. For example, it can mean playing silly games, making jokes, or just having fun without any particular purpose.
What are the different verb forms of “goof around”?
| Root Verb | goof around |
| Third Person Singular Present | goofs around |
| Present Participle | goofing around |
| Simple Past | goofed around |
| Past Participle | goofed around |
Example
When we have free time, we often goof around in the park.
Example
He always goofs around when he should be studying.
Example
They are goofing around instead of doing their homework.
Example
Yesterday, we goofed around at the beach all day.
Example
We have goofed around too much and now we have to catch up on our work.
What kind of phrasal verb is “goof 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
“goof 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
She goofed around all day and didn't get any work done.
Example
They goofed around instead of studying for the test.
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
“goof 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
She goofed around all day and didn't get any work done.
Example
They goofed around instead of studying for the test.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “goof around”?
Good things to know
Does “goof around” have an informal or formal tone?
Goof around is an informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in casual conversations and is not typically used in formal or professional settings. For example, you might goof around with your friends, but it would not be appropriate to goof around in a business meeting or formal event.
