What does the phrasal verb “mess around with” mean?

What are the definitions of “mess around with”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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

  He's been MESSING ABOUT WITH a woman he works with.

• 2. Try to improve something, usually making things worse.

  The computer was working fine until they started MESSING ABOUT WITH it.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mess around with is to try to improve something, often making things worse. It can also mean to have a sexual relationship outside of marriage or a permanent relationship.

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

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

Example

I shouldn't have messed around with the settings on my phone.

Example

She messes around with her computer settings too much.

Example

He is messing around with the TV remote, trying to fix the volume.

Example

Yesterday, they messed around with the printer and now it's not working.

Example

The car was messed around with and now it won't start.

What kind of phrasal verb is “mess around 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 around 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

He messed around with the computer settings.

Example

She messed around with someone from work.

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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 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

He messed around with the computer settings.

Example

She messed around with someone from work.

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

Mess around

To spend time doing unimportant or trivial things, or to waste time.

Example

Stop messing around and finish your homework.

Mess someone around

To treat someone badly or unfairly, often by changing plans or not being reliable.

Example

I'm tired of being messed around by my boss; he keeps changing my schedule.

Mess something up

To make a mistake or cause a problem, often by doing something incorrectly.

Example

I messed up the recipe by adding too much salt.

Good things to know

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

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

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

Synonyms

• fool with
• tinker with
• meddle with
• tamper with
• flirt with
• have an affair with

Antonyms

• ignore
• avoid
• abstain
• respect
• preserve
• leave alone