What are the definitions of “jack around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make trouble for someone, fail to keep promises.
Don't listen to him- he always JACKS people AROUND.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “jack around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb jack around is to make trouble for someone or fail to keep promises. It is often used to describe someone who is not reliable or trustworthy.
What are the different verb forms of “jack around”?
| Root Verb | jack around |
| Third Person Singular Present | jacks around |
| Present Participle | jacking around |
| Simple Past | jacked around |
| Past Participle | jacked around |
Example
He always jacks around his friends, causing them problems.
Example
She jacks around her coworkers, making it difficult for them to trust her.
Example
He is always jacking around and not keeping his promises.
Example
Yesterday, he jacked around his teammates, causing them to lose the game.
Example
She has jacked around her friends so many times that they no longer trust her.
What kind of phrasal verb is “jack 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.)
Transitive verb
“jack around” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He jacked around his friends by not showing up to the meeting.
Example
She jacked her coworkers around by not completing her part of the project.
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
“jack 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
He jacked around his friends by not showing up to the meeting.
Example
She jacked her coworkers around by not completing her part of the project.
Good things to know
Does “jack around” have an informal or formal tone?
Jack around is an informal phrasal verb and is not suitable for formal contexts. It is commonly used in casual conversations among friends or acquaintances. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms such as 'deceive,' 'manipulate,' or 'cause trouble.'
