What are the definitions of “monkey around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not be serious.
The police officer told the drunks to stop MONKEYING AROUND and go home quietly.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “monkey around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb monkey around is to behave in a silly or playful way, often without being serious or focused on a task. It can also mean wasting time or not taking something seriously.
What are the different verb forms of “monkey around”?
| Root Verb | monkey around |
| Third Person Singular Present | monkeys around |
| Present Participle | monkeying around |
| Simple Past | monkeyed around |
| Past Participle | monkeyed around |
Example
The kids were monkeying around in the playground.
Example
He always monkeys around when he should be studying.
Example
She is monkeying around instead of doing her homework.
Example
Yesterday, they monkeyed around all day and didn't finish their project.
Example
They had monkeyed around too much and missed the deadline.
What kind of phrasal verb is “monkey 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
“monkey 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 monkeying around and get to work.
Example
She monkeyed around instead of focusing on her task.
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
“monkey 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 monkeying around and get to work.
Example
She monkeyed around instead of focusing on her task.
Good things to know
Does “monkey around” have an informal or formal tone?
Monkey around is an informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in casual conversations and is not suitable for formal settings or writing. In more formal contexts, consider using synonyms like 'waste time' or 'behave foolishly'.
