What are the definitions of “lark about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Behave in a silly way.
The children made me angry because they were LARKING ABOUT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lark about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lark about is to behave in a silly or playful way, often without considering the consequences or the feelings of others. It is usually used to describe someone who is not taking a situation seriously or is not focused on the task at hand.
What are the different verb forms of “lark about”?
| Root Verb | lark about |
| Third Person Singular Present | larks about |
| Present Participle | larking about |
| Simple Past | larked about |
| Past Participle | larked about |
Example
The children were larking about in the park.
Example
He always larks about during class and distracts the other students.
Example
She is always larking about with her friends instead of studying.
Example
Yesterday, they larked about at the party instead of helping with the preparations.
Example
The children had larked about all day and were tired in the evening.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lark about”?
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
“lark about” 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 kids were larking about in the backyard.
Example
He larked about during the meeting, which annoyed his colleagues.
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
“lark about” 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 kids were larking about in the backyard.
Example
He larked about during the meeting, which annoyed his colleagues.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lark about”?
Good things to know
Does “lark about” have an informal or formal tone?
Lark about is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or situations. It is not commonly used in formal writing or professional settings.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “lark about”?
Synonyms
Antonyms
- behave
- focus
- concentrate
- act seriously
- work diligently
- pay attention
