What are the definitions of “mess about with”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent relationship.
She's been MESSING ABOUT WITH another guy she knows from work.
2Try to improve something, usually making things worse.
The computer was working fine until he started MESSING ABOUT WITH it.

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

The phrasal verb mess about with has two distinct meanings. The more common usage is to describe trying to improve something, usually resulting in making things worse. The less common usage refers to having a sexual relationship outside of marriage or a permanent relationship.

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

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

Example

He always messes about with gadgets and devices.

Example

She messes about with her hair to create new styles.

Example

They're currently messing about with the new software.

Example

Yesterday, he messed about with his car's engine.

Example

The computer had been messed about with and wasn't working properly.

What kind of phrasal verb is “mess about with”?

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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.)

Transitive verb

“mess about with” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She's been messing about with another guy she knows from work.

Example

He often messes about with his old collection of toys.

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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 with” 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's been messing about with another guy she knows from work.

Example

He often messes about with his old collection of toys.

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

Mess about with relationships

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

Example

She confessed to messing about with another guy while still in a relationship.

Mess about with things

To attempt to improve or modify something, often resulting in negative outcomes.

Example

The computer was working fine until he started messing about with its settings.

Mess about with creativity

To experiment or play around with creative ideas.

Example

He enjoys messing about with different painting techniques.

Good things to know

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

The phrasal verb mess about with can be used in informal conversations. However, its meaning can be sensitive in some contexts, especially when referring to relationships. It's important to consider the context and the audience before using this phrasal verb.

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

Synonyms

cheat
engage in affairs
experiment with
tinker with
play around with

Antonyms

be faithful
stay committed
leave untouched
avoid interfering