What are the definitions of “muddle along”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Continue without a clear aim or plan.
If you're ambitious, you cannot MUDDLE ALONG.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “muddle along”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb muddle along is to continue doing something without a clear aim or plan, often in an inefficient or disorganized manner. It implies that someone is managing to get by, but not necessarily succeeding or excelling.
What are the different verb forms of “muddle along”?
| Root Verb | muddle along |
| Third Person Singular Present | muddles along |
| Present Participle | muddling along |
| Simple Past | muddled along |
| Past Participle | muddled along |
Example
They just muddle along without any clear goals in life.
Example
She muddles along in her job, not really knowing what she wants to do.
Example
He is muddling along in his studies, not really focused on any particular subject.
Example
They muddled along for years before finally finding their passion.
Example
He had muddled along in his career until he discovered his true calling.
What kind of phrasal verb is “muddle along”?
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
“muddle along” 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 muddles along without any clear direction.
Example
They muddled along for years before finding success.
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
“muddle along” 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 muddles along without any clear direction.
Example
They muddled along for years before finding success.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “muddle along”?
To continue in a relationship without a clear commitment or direction, often just maintaining the status quo.
Example
They muddled along in their relationship, never really discussing their future together.
Good things to know
Does “muddle along” have an informal or formal tone?
Muddle along is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, it is generally considered more appropriate for casual conversations and informal writing.
