What are the definitions of “mope about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Move around being miserable.
She didn't get the job and has been MOPING ABOUT all afternoon.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “mope about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb mope about is to move around or spend time in a sad or unhappy manner, often due to disappointment or failure. For example, someone might mope about after not getting a job or experiencing a breakup.
What are the different verb forms of “mope about”?
| Root Verb | mope about |
| Third Person Singular Present | mopes about |
| Present Participle | moping about |
| Simple Past | moped about |
| Past Participle | moped about |
Example
He didn't pass the exam, so he's been moping about all day.
Example
She mopes about whenever she feels lonely.
Example
He is moping about because he lost his favorite toy.
Example
Yesterday, she moped about after her team lost the game.
Example
He had moped about for hours after the argument.
What kind of phrasal verb is “mope about”?
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
“mope about” 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
She moped about all day after the bad news.
Example
He moped about when he didn't get the promotion.
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
“mope about” 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
She moped about all day after the bad news.
Example
He moped about when he didn't get the promotion.
Good things to know
Does “mope about” have an informal or formal tone?
Mope about is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It may not be suitable for very formal settings or academic writing, where more formal alternatives like 'lament' or 'brood' might be preferred.
