What are the definitions of “toy with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not eat much of a meal.
It was horrible, so I just TOYED WITH the food.
- 2Consider something, but not very seriously.
We TOYED WITH the idea of moving to the country, but it isn't really practical.
- 3Move or play with something to occupy your hands.
He TOYED WITH his cup.
- 4Treat insincerely.
He thought she loved him but she was just TOYING WITH him.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “toy with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb toy with is to consider something, but not very seriously. It means that you are thinking about an idea or a possibility, but you are not committed to it or taking it too seriously.
What are the different verb forms of “toy with”?
| Root Verb | toy with |
| Third Person Singular Present | toys with |
| Present Participle | toying with |
| Simple Past | toyed with |
| Past Participle | toyed with |
Example
She toyed with the idea of going on a vacation.
Example
He toys with the thought of changing his job.
Example
They are toying with the possibility of moving to a new city.
Example
We toyed with the idea of starting our own business.
Example
She had toyed with the idea of writing a book for years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “toy with”?
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 with” 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
He toyed with the idea of quitting his job.
Example
She toyed with her food during dinner.
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 with” 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
He toyed with the idea of quitting his job.
Example
She toyed with her food during dinner.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “toy with”?
Good things to know
Does “toy with” have an informal or formal tone?
Toy with 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, depending on the specific context.
