What are the definitions of “mill around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Walk around without going anywhere.
There were a lot of people MILLING AROUND waiting for the bus.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “mill around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mill around is to walk around without going anywhere, often in a casual or aimless manner. It is usually used to describe people who are waiting or passing time in a specific area.
What are the different verb forms of “mill around”?
| Root Verb | mill around |
| Third Person Singular Present | mills around |
| Present Participle | milling around |
| Simple Past | milled around |
| Past Participle | milled around |
Example
People often mill around in the park on sunny days.
Example
She mills around the shopping mall when she has free time.
Example
The tourists were milling around the city center, taking pictures.
Example
We milled around the train station until our train arrived.
Example
The crowd had milled around the entrance before the concert started.
What kind of phrasal verb is “mill around”?
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
“mill 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
The students milled around the hallway during the break.
Example
People milled around the park, enjoying the nice weather.
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
“mill 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
The students milled around the hallway during the break.
Example
People milled around the park, enjoying the nice weather.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “mill around”?
Good things to know
Does “mill around” have an informal or formal tone?
Mill around is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
