What does the phrasal verb “mess around” mean?

What are the definitions of “mess around”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Not be serious, play with something.

  I was MESSING AROUND on the internet because I couldn't be bothered to do any work.

• 2. Treat someone badly.

  She is always MESSING me AROUND and never does what she promises.

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

  She's not faithful- she's been MESSING ABOUT since they got married.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mess around is to not be serious or to play with something, often as a way to pass the time or avoid doing work. It can also mean to engage in casual or aimless activities.

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

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

Example

He likes to mess around with his friends after school.

Example

She messes around on her phone instead of studying.

Example

They are messing around in the park, playing games and having fun.

Example

Yesterday, he messed around on the computer instead of doing his homework.

Example

She had messed around all day and didn't finish her project.

What kind of phrasal verb is “mess around”?

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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 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

Stop messing around and get to work.

Example

They were messing around in the backyard.

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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 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

Stop messing around and get to work.

Example

They were messing around in the backyard.

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

Mess around with someone

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

Example

I don't like working with him because he always messes around with people.

Mess around with something

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

Example

She enjoys messing around with new recipes in the kitchen.

Mess about

A synonym for *mess around*, meaning to engage in casual or aimless activities.

Example

We spent the afternoon messing about at the beach.

Good things to know

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

Mess around is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings.

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

Synonyms

• fiddle
• dabble
• procrastinate
• fool around
• play around
• toy with
• tinker
• waste time

Antonyms

• focus
• concentrate
• commit
• dedicate
• work hard
• be serious