What are the definitions of “hover around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Move about a place.
She was HOVERING AROUND to see what we were talking about.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hover around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hover around is to move or stay close to a particular place or person, often in a way that seems uncertain or indecisive. It can be used to describe someone who is waiting or lingering near something or someone.
What are the different verb forms of “hover around”?
| Root Verb | hover around |
| Third Person Singular Present | hovers around |
| Present Participle | hovering around |
| Simple Past | hovered around |
| Past Participle | hovered around |
Example
The birds hover around the bird feeder in the garden.
Example
She hovers around the kitchen when she smells something delicious.
Example
He is hovering around the entrance, waiting for his friend.
Example
The drone hovered around the area to capture footage.
Example
The bees had hovered around the flowers all day.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hover 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
“hover 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 children hovered around the playground.
Example
The waiter hovered around our table, waiting for us to order.
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
“hover 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 children hovered around the playground.
Example
The waiter hovered around our table, waiting for us to order.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hover around”?
Good things to know
Does “hover around” have an informal or formal tone?
Hover 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.
