What are the definitions of “stand about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Spend time in a place waiting or doing nothing or very little.
We STOOD ABOUT drinking coffee before the lecture.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stand about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stand about is to spend time in a place waiting or doing nothing or very little. It often implies that someone is idling or not being productive.
What are the different verb forms of “stand about”?
| Root Verb | stand about |
| Third Person Singular Present | stands about |
| Present Participle | standing about |
| Simple Past | stood about |
| Past Participle | stood about |
Example
They often stand about in the park, chatting and enjoying the weather.
Example
He stands about the office, waiting for his next meeting.
Example
She is standing about in the hallway, waiting for her friend.
Example
Yesterday, they stood about the bus stop, waiting for the bus to arrive.
Example
The group had stood about the lobby for hours before they were finally called in.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stand 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
“stand 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
The students stood about the classroom, waiting for the teacher.
Example
She stood about the store, browsing the items on display.
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
“stand 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
The students stood about the classroom, waiting for the teacher.
Example
She stood about the store, browsing the items on display.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stand about”?
Good things to know
Does “stand about” have an informal or formal tone?
Stand about is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
