What are the definitions of “mess with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become involved in something damaging or dangerous.
He's been MESSING WITH cocaine.
- 2Annoy, bother.
Don't MESS WITH me or there will be trouble.
- 3Associate ( negative ).
He's been MESSING WITH some dangerous people.
- 4Try to repair or improve, usually unsuccessfully.
She's been MESSING WITH it for hours and it still doesn't work.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “mess with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mess with is to become involved in something damaging or dangerous, or to annoy or bother someone. It can also mean to associate with negative people or situations.
What are the different verb forms of “mess with”?
| Root Verb | mess with |
| Third Person Singular Present | messes with |
| Present Participle | messing with |
| Simple Past | messed with |
| Past Participle | messed with |
Example
Don't mess with dangerous chemicals.
Example
He messes with the wrong people and gets into trouble.
Example
She is messing with the computer settings and causing problems.
Example
Yesterday, they messed with the wiring and caused a power outage.
Example
The files have been messed with, and now we can't find anything.
What kind of phrasal verb is “mess with”?
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 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
Don't mess with my things.
Example
She messed with the wrong person and got into trouble.
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 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
Don't mess with my things.
Example
She messed with the wrong person and got into trouble.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “mess with”?
Good things to know
Does “mess with” have an informal or formal tone?
Mess with is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written documents. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'interfere with' or 'associate with' can be used.
