What are the definitions of “toss about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Discuss something freely and openly, but not very seriously.
WE TOSSED ideas ABOUT before the negotiations.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “toss about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb toss about is to discuss something freely and openly, but not very seriously. It is often used when people are brainstorming or sharing ideas in a casual setting.
What are the different verb forms of “toss about”?
| Root Verb | toss about |
| Third Person Singular Present | tosses about |
| Present Participle | tossing about |
| Simple Past | tossed about |
| Past Participle | tossed about |
Example
We tossed about ideas for the new project.
Example
She tosses about suggestions during the meeting.
Example
They are tossing about possible solutions to the problem.
Example
Yesterday, we tossed about different themes for the party.
Example
Many ideas were tossed about during the brainstorming session.
What kind of phrasal verb is “toss 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.)
Transitive verb
“toss about” 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
We tossed about ideas before the negotiations.
Example
She tossed about suggestions during the meeting.
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
“toss 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
We tossed about ideas before the negotiations.
Example
She tossed about suggestions during the meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “toss about”?
Toss around
Similar to *toss about*, meaning to discuss something freely and openly, but not very seriously.
Example
We tossed around ideas for the new marketing campaign.
Good things to know
Does “toss about” have an informal or formal tone?
Toss about is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or brainstorming sessions. It is not commonly used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'discuss' or 'consider' can be used.
