What are the definitions of “joke around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be funny, or try to.
He's always JOKING AROUND in class.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “joke around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb joke around is to be funny or try to make others laugh. It is often used to describe someone who is playful or likes to make jokes in a lighthearted manner.
What are the different verb forms of “joke around”?
| Root Verb | joke around |
| Third Person Singular Present | jokes around |
| Present Participle | joking around |
| Simple Past | joked around |
| Past Participle | joked around |
Example
He always jokes around with his friends.
Example
She jokes around at work to lighten the mood.
Example
They are joking around during the party.
Example
We joked around all night and had a great time.
Example
He had joked around with his classmates before the teacher arrived.
What kind of phrasal verb is “joke 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
“joke 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 joked around to make everyone laugh.
Example
He joked around during the meeting.
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
“joke 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 joked around to make everyone laugh.
Example
He joked around during the meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “joke around”?
Good things to know
Does “joke around” have an informal or formal tone?
Joke around is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written communication. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'be humorous' or 'make jokes' can be used.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “joke around”?
Synonyms
Antonyms
- focus
- concentrate
- be serious
- work hard
- stay on task
