What are the definitions of “play around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be silly.
The children were PLAYING AROUND and being annoying.
- 2Be sexually promiscuous or unfaithful.
I PLAYED AROUND a lot at college.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “play around”?
The phrasal verb play around is used more often to describe engaging in light-hearted or silly activities, such as being playful or experimenting creatively. However, it can also refer to being sexually promiscuous or unfaithful, depending on the context.
What are the different verb forms of “play around”?
| Root Verb | *play around* |
| Third Person Singular Present | *plays around* |
| Present Participle | *playing around* |
| Simple Past | *played around* |
| Past Participle | *played around* |
Example
She always encourages her kids to play around outside.
Example
He often plays around with his guitar during breaks.
Example
They're currently playing around with different software tools.
Example
Yesterday, they played around with the new video game.
Example
The kids had been playing around in the park all afternoon.
What kind of phrasal verb is “play 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
“play 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
The children were playing around and being annoying.
Example
He enjoys playing around with various art mediums.
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
“play 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
The children were playing around and being annoying.
Example
He enjoys playing around with various art mediums.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “play around”?
Play around with creativity
To experiment or try different things for creative purposes.
Example
She enjoys playing around with watercolors to create unique paintings.
Play around with technology
To explore and experiment with software or devices.
Example
He's been playing around with coding to develop his own app.
Good things to know
Does “play around” have an informal or formal tone?
The phrasal verb play around is informal and can be used in casual conversations. However, it's important to choose the appropriate context when using it to avoid misunderstandings.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “play around”?
Synonyms
- experiment
- dabble
- mess around
- toy with
- tinker
Antonyms
- focus
- be serious
- work diligently
- refrain from experimenting
