What are the definitions of “lie around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Act in a lazy or unproductive way.
Most days he would usually just LIE AROUND the house.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lie around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lie around is to act in a lazy or unproductive way, often spending time doing nothing or not engaging in any useful activity.
What are the different verb forms of “lie around”?
| Root Verb | lie around |
| Third Person Singular Present | lies around |
| Present Participle | lying around |
| Simple Past | lay around |
| Past Participle | lain around |
Example
On weekends, I like to lie around and watch movies.
Example
She lies around all day, not doing any chores.
Example
He is lying around instead of studying for his exams.
Example
Yesterday, they lay around the whole day, enjoying their vacation.
Example
He had lain around all morning before finally getting up to do some work.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lie 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
“lie 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 lies around all day, not doing any chores.
Example
He is lying around instead of studying for his exams.
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
“lie 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 lies around all day, not doing any chores.
Example
He is lying around instead of studying for his exams.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lie around”?
Good things to know
Does “lie around” have an informal or formal tone?
Lie around is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings.
