What are the definitions of “stand around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Spend time in a place waiting or doing nothing or very little.
We STOOD AROUND for an hour waiting for them to turn up.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stand around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stand around is to spend time in a place waiting or doing nothing or very little. It often implies that someone is not being productive or is just waiting for something to happen.
What are the different verb forms of “stand around”?
| Root Verb | stand around |
| Third Person Singular Present | stands around |
| Present Participle | standing around |
| Simple Past | stood around |
| Past Participle | stood around |
Example
They often stand around the water cooler, chatting about their weekend.
Example
He stands around the bus stop, waiting for his ride.
Example
The employees are standing around the office, waiting for the meeting to start.
Example
We stood around the park, waiting for our friends to arrive.
Example
They had stood around the entire afternoon, doing nothing.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stand 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
“stand 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 kids stood around the playground, waiting for their turn.
Example
She stood around the mall, waiting for her friend.
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 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 kids stood around the playground, waiting for their turn.
Example
She stood around the mall, waiting for her friend.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stand around”?
Good things to know
Does “stand around” have an informal or formal tone?
Stand around is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
