What are the definitions of “pal about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be friendly and spend time with someone.
We used to PAL ABOUT when we were at school.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pal about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pal about is to be friendly and spend time with someone. It is often used to describe a close friendship or a period of time when two people were close friends.
What are the different verb forms of “pal about”?
| Root Verb | pal about |
| Third Person Singular Present | pals about |
| Present Participle | palling about |
| Simple Past | palled about |
| Past Participle | palled about |
Example
We used to pal about when we were at school.
Example
She pals about with her coworkers during lunch breaks.
Example
They are palling about at the park, enjoying the sunny day.
Example
We palled about together during our college years.
Example
They had palled about since they were kids.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pal 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
“pal 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
We palled about during our summer vacation.
Example
They palled about in their free time.
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
“pal 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
We palled about during our summer vacation.
Example
They palled about in their free time.
Good things to know
Does “pal about” have an informal or formal tone?
Pal about is an informal phrasal verb used in casual conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or writing. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'spend time together' or 'socialize' can be used.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “pal about”?
Synonyms
- mingle
- associate
- fraternize
- hang out
- spend time
- socialize
Antonyms
- avoid
- ignore
- shun
- disassociate
- distance oneself
