What are the definitions of “toy at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pretend to think about or think about in a casual way.
She TOYED AT getting them to help her but then did it alone.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “toy at”?
The phrasal verb toy at means to pretend to think about something or to consider it in a casual way. It is used when someone is not seriously considering an idea or option but is still entertaining the thought.
What are the different verb forms of “toy at”?
| Root Verb | toy at |
| Third Person Singular Present | toys at |
| Present Participle | toying at |
| Simple Past | toyed at |
| Past Participle | toyed at |
Example
She toyed at the idea of going on a vacation alone.
Example
He toys at the thought of starting his own business.
Example
They are toying at the possibility of moving to a new city.
Example
Yesterday, she toyed at the idea of changing her career.
Example
He had toyed at the thought of quitting his job, but never did.
What kind of phrasal verb is “toy at”?
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
“toy at” 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 toyed at the idea of going on a vacation alone.
Example
He toyed at the thought of starting his own business.
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
“toy at” 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 toyed at the idea of going on a vacation alone.
Example
He toyed at the thought of starting his own business.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “toy at”?
Good things to know
Does “toy at” have an informal or formal tone?
Toy at is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal discussions or written communication.
