What are the definitions of “potter about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Spend time doing little things for pleasure.
On Saturday mornings, I POTTER ABOUT the garden if the weather's fine.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “potter about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb potter about is to spend time doing small, enjoyable tasks or activities, often without a specific purpose or goal. It is often used to describe leisurely activities or hobbies.
What are the different verb forms of “potter about”?
| Root Verb | potter about |
| Third Person Singular Present | potters about |
| Present Participle | pottering about |
| Simple Past | pottered about |
| Past Participle | pottered about |
Example
On weekends, she likes to potter about in her garden.
Example
He potters about in his workshop, fixing things and creating new projects.
Example
She is pottering about the house, tidying up and rearranging things.
Example
Yesterday, they pottered about the antique market, looking for hidden treasures.
Example
We have pottered about the countryside, exploring small villages and enjoying the scenery.
What kind of phrasal verb is “potter 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
“potter 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
She pottered about the garden all afternoon.
Example
He pottered about in his workshop for hours.
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
“potter 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
She pottered about the garden all afternoon.
Example
He pottered about in his workshop for hours.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “potter about”?
Good things to know
Does “potter about” have an informal or formal tone?
Potter about is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations and everyday speech. It is not commonly used in formal writing or professional settings.
