What are the definitions of “swan about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Move in a dramatic or affected manner.
He SWANNED ABOUT at the party.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “swan about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb swan about is to move or behave in a dramatic or affected manner, often to attract attention or show off. For example, someone might swan about at a party, trying to impress others with their appearance or actions.
What are the different verb forms of “swan about”?
| Root Verb | swan about |
| Third Person Singular Present | swans about |
| Present Participle | swanning about |
| Simple Past | swanned about |
| Past Participle | swanned about |
Example
She likes to swan about at social events.
Example
He swans about the room, trying to get everyone's attention.
Example
They are swanning about the party, acting like they own the place.
Example
Yesterday, she swanned about the office, showing off her new outfit.
Example
He had swanned about the entire evening, trying to impress his friends.
What kind of phrasal verb is “swan 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
“swan 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 swanned about the room, looking for someone to talk to.
Example
He swanned about the party, trying to impress everyone.
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
“swan 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 swanned about the room, looking for someone to talk to.
Example
He swanned about the party, trying to impress everyone.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “swan about”?
Swan about/around
Both *swan about* and *swan around* can be used interchangeably to describe the same behavior.
Example
She swanned around the party, acting like she was the most important person there.
Good things to know
Does “swan about” have an informal or formal tone?
Swan about is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or informal writing. It is not commonly used in formal settings or professional writing.
