What does the phrasal verb “mess about” mean?

What are the definitions of “mess about”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Not be serious, not use something properly.

  The children were MESSING ABOUT with the TV remote control and broke it.

• 2. Treat someone badly.

  He is always MESSING me ABOUT and never does what he promises.

• 3. Have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent relationship.

  He's not faithful- he's been MESSING ABOUT since they were married.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “mess about”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mess about is to not be serious or not use something properly. It often refers to someone playing or fooling around with an object or situation, which can lead to problems or damage.

What are the different verb forms of “mess about”?

Root Verb	mess about
Third Person Singular Present	messes about
Present Participle	messing about
Simple Past	messed about
Past Participle	messed about

Example

The kids were messing about in the playground.

Example

He always messes about with his phone during class.

Example

She is messing about with her new toy.

Example

Yesterday, they messed about with the computer and accidentally deleted some files.

Example

The tools have been messed about and are now disorganized.

What kind of phrasal verb is “mess about”?

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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

“mess 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

Stop messing about and focus on your work.

Example

They were messing about in the park all day.

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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

“mess 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

Stop messing about and focus on your work.

Example

They were messing about in the park all day.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “mess about”?

Mess about with something

To play or experiment with something, often without a clear purpose or goal.

Example

He spent hours messing about with the new software, trying to learn its features.

Mess someone about

To treat someone badly or unfairly, often by not keeping promises or being unreliable.

Example

I'm tired of being messed about by my boss; she keeps changing my schedule without notice.

Mess about outside a relationship

To have a sexual relationship outside of marriage or a committed partnership.

Example

Rumors say that he's been messing about since they got engaged.

Good things to know

Does “mess about” have an informal or formal tone?

Mess about is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'play around' or 'experiment' can be used.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “mess about”?

Synonyms

• fiddle
• experiment
• dabble
• trifle
• fool around
• play around
• toy with
• tinker

Antonyms

• focus
• concentrate
• commit
• be serious
• work diligently
• be reliable