What does the phrasal verb “pal around” mean?

What are the definitions of “pal around”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Be friendly and spend time with someone.

  We PALLED AROUND at university.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pal around 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 or more people enjoy each other's company.

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

Root Verb	pal around
Third Person Singular Present	pals around
Present Participle	palling around
Simple Past	palled around
Past Participle	palled around

Example

We used to pal around together when we were kids.

Example

She pals around with her coworkers after work.

Example

They are palling around at the park this weekend.

Example

He palled around with his classmates during the school trip.

Example

We had palled around for years before we started dating.

What kind of phrasal verb is “pal around”?

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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 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

We palled around at university.

Example

They palled around during their summer vacation.

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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 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

We palled around at university.

Example

They palled around during their summer vacation.

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

Pal around with someone

To be friends with someone and spend time together.

Example

She pals around with her neighbors on weekends.

Pal around together

To spend time together as friends.

Example

We used to pal around together when we were in high school.

Palling around

Spending time together in a friendly manner.

Example

The kids were palling around at the playground after school.

Good things to know

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

Pal around is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written communication. Instead, more formal alternatives such as 'spend time together' or 'socialize' can be used.

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

Synonyms

• mingle
• fraternize
• associate
• hang out
• spend time
• socialize
• be friends

Antonyms

• avoid
• ignore
• shun
• disassociate
• estrange
• distance oneself