What are the definitions of “poke about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Move things around or search in a casual way to try to find something.
I POKED ABOUT in my CD collection to see if I could find it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “poke about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb poke about is to move things around or search in a casual way to try to find something. It often implies looking for something without a specific plan or method.
What are the different verb forms of “poke about”?
| Root Verb | poke about |
| Third Person Singular Present | pokes about |
| Present Participle | poking about |
| Simple Past | poked about |
| Past Participle | poked about |
Example
She likes to poke about in antique shops for hidden treasures.
Example
He pokes about in the garage, looking for his old tools.
Example
They are poking about in the attic, searching for old family photos.
Example
Yesterday, I poked about in the basement to find my old yearbooks.
Example
She had poked about in the closet, but couldn't find the missing shoe.
What kind of phrasal verb is “poke 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
“poke 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
I poked about in the drawer, trying to find my keys.
Example
She poked about in the garden, looking for her lost ring.
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
“poke 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
I poked about in the drawer, trying to find my keys.
Example
She poked about in the garden, looking for her lost ring.
Good things to know
Does “poke about” have an informal or formal tone?
Poke about is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'search' or 'investigate'.
