What are the definitions of “swan around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Move in a dramatic or affected manner.
She SWANNED AROUND trying to impress people.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “swan around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb swan around is to move or behave in a dramatic or affected manner, often to attract attention or impress others. It is often used to describe someone who is acting in a showy or pretentious way.
What are the different verb forms of “swan around”?
| Root Verb | swan around |
| Third Person Singular Present | swans around |
| Present Participle | swanning around |
| Simple Past | swanned around |
| Past Participle | swanned around |
Example
She likes to swan around at parties, trying to impress everyone.
Example
He swans around the office, acting like he's the boss.
Example
They were swanning around the event, showing off their expensive clothes.
Example
She swanned around the gallery, pretending to be an art expert.
Example
He had swanned around the party, making sure everyone noticed him.
What kind of phrasal verb is “swan 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
“swan 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
She swanned around the room, trying to get everyone's attention.
Example
He swanned around the party, acting like he was the most important person there.
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 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
She swanned around the room, trying to get everyone's attention.
Example
He swanned around the party, acting like he was the most important person there.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “swan around”?
Good things to know
Does “swan around” have an informal or formal tone?
Swan around is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or informal writing. It is not commonly used in formal settings or professional writing.
