What are the definitions of “string along”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Deceive someone for a long time.
They kept saying they were interested, but they were just STRINGING me ALONG.
- 2Accompany someone because you haven't got anything better to do.
Is it alright if I STRING ALONG with you tonight?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “string along”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb string along is to deceive someone for a long time, often by making false promises or giving false hope. It means to lead someone on without any intention of fulfilling the promises made.
What are the different verb forms of “string along”?
| Root Verb | string along |
| Third Person Singular Present | strings along |
| Present Participle | stringing along |
| Simple Past | strung along |
| Past Participle | strung along |
Example
She always strings him along with false promises.
Example
He strings along his friends with fake plans.
Example
They are stringing along their customers with false advertising.
Example
She strung along her partner for years before finally breaking up.
Example
He felt strung along by the company's empty promises.
What kind of phrasal verb is “string along”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“string along” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She strung him along for months.
Example
He strung along his friends with fake plans.
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
“string along” 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 strung him along for months.
Example
He strung along his friends with fake plans.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “string along”?
Good things to know
Does “string along” have an informal or formal tone?
String along is an informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'deceive' or 'mislead'.
