What are the definitions of “lark around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Behave in a silly way.
The students wouldn't stop LARKING AROUND.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lark around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lark around is to behave in a silly or playful way, often without focusing on serious tasks or responsibilities. It is used to describe someone who is not taking a situation seriously or is wasting time.
What are the different verb forms of “lark around”?
| Root Verb | lark around |
| Third Person Singular Present | larks around |
| Present Participle | larking around |
| Simple Past | larked around |
| Past Participle | larked around |
Example
The children were larking around in the park.
Example
He always larks around when he should be studying.
Example
They are larking around instead of doing their chores.
Example
Yesterday, we larked around at the beach all day.
Example
We had larked around for hours before realizing how late it was.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lark 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
“lark 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 students were larking around during the lecture.
Example
She larked around instead of finishing her homework.
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 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 students were larking around during the lecture.
Example
She larked around instead of finishing her homework.
Good things to know
Does “lark around” have an informal or formal tone?
Lark around is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or informal writing. It is not commonly used in formal settings or professional writing.
