What does the phrasal verb “mooch around” mean?

What are the definitions of “mooch around”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Spend time doing little or nothing.

  I MOOCHED AROUND the house all day.

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

The phrasal verb mooch around means to spend time doing little or nothing, often in a leisurely or aimless manner.

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

Root Verb	*mooch around*
Third Person Singular Present	*mooches around*
Present Participle	*mooching around*
Simple Past	*mooched around*
Past Participle	*mooched around*

Example

She likes to mooch around the park on weekends.

Example

He usually mooches around the neighborhood in the evenings.

Example

They're currently mooching around the shopping mall.

Example

Yesterday, I mooched around the bookstore for hours.

Example

The kids had been mooching around the playground all morning.

What kind of phrasal verb is “mooch 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

“mooch 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

I mooched around the house all day.

Example

She enjoys mooching around flea markets on weekends.

📝

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

“mooch 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

I mooched around the house all day.

Example

She enjoys mooching around flea markets on weekends.

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

Mooch around leisurely

To spend time idly or aimlessly without a specific purpose.

Example

Instead of working, he decided to mooch around the garden all afternoon.

Mooch around for exploration

To explore or wander casually in a certain area.

Example

During the vacation, they plan to mooch around the charming streets of the old town.

Mooch around window shopping

To stroll and look at shop windows without intending to buy.

Example

She enjoys mooching around the mall, checking out the latest fashion trends.

Good things to know

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

The phrasal verb mooch around is quite informal and is commonly used in relaxed conversations or when describing leisurely activities. It might not be appropriate in very formal or professional contexts.

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

Synonyms

• laze around
• lounge about
• hang out
• wander aimlessly

Antonyms

• stay busy
• be productive
• engage actively