What are the definitions of “hack around”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Waste time.
I've been HACKING AROUND all morning because I can't get down to doing any revision.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hack around”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hack around is to waste time or procrastinate, usually when someone should be doing something more productive or important.

What are the different verb forms of “hack around”?

Root Verb	hack around
Third Person Singular Present	hacks around
Present Participle	hacking around
Simple Past	hacked around
Past Participle	hacked around

Example

I always hack around when I should be studying.

Example

She hacks around instead of doing her homework.

Example

He is hacking around instead of cleaning his room.

Example

Yesterday, they hacked around instead of working on their project.

Example

The time was hacked around and wasted on unimportant things.

What kind of phrasal verb is “hack around”?

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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

“hack 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

I hacked around all day instead of studying.

Example

He hacked around when he should have been working.

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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

“hack 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

I hacked around all day instead of studying.

Example

He hacked around when he should have been working.