What does the phrasal verb “poke around” mean?

What are the definitions of “poke around”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Move things around or search in a casual way to try to find something.

  I POKED AROUND in my desk to see if the letter was there.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb poke around is to search or look for something in a casual or disorganized way, often by moving things around. It can be used when looking for a lost item or when exploring a new place.

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

Root Verb	poke around
Third Person Singular Present	pokes around
Present Participle	poking around
Simple Past	poked around
Past Participle	poked around

Example

She likes to poke around in antique shops for hidden treasures.

Example

He pokes around his messy room, trying to find his keys.

Example

They are poking around the attic, looking for old family photos.

Example

Yesterday, I poked around the garage to find my toolbox.

Example

She had poked around the basement, but couldn't find the missing box.

What kind of phrasal verb is “poke 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

“poke 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

I poked around the closet, searching for my favorite shirt.

Example

He poked around the kitchen, looking for a snack.

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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

“poke 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

I poked around the closet, searching for my favorite shirt.

Example

He poked around the kitchen, looking for a snack.

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

Poke around* in someone's business

To be nosy or intrusive in someone else's personal matters.

Example

She doesn't like it when people poke around in her personal life.

Poke around* on the internet

To casually browse or search for information online.

Example

I spent the afternoon poking around on the internet, looking for interesting articles.

Poke around* in a store

To casually browse or explore the items in a store.

Example

He enjoys poking around in bookstores, discovering new authors and titles.

Good things to know

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

Poke around is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as 'search,' 'explore,' or 'investigate' may be more appropriate.

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

Synonyms

• search
• rummage
• snoop
• browse
• explore
• investigate
• examine
• look

Antonyms

• ignore
• overlook
• neglect
• abandon
• avoid
• leave alone