What are the definitions of “wiggle out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Avoid doing.
He was supposed to be in charge but tried to WIGGLE OUT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wiggle out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wiggle out is to avoid doing something or to escape from a responsibility or commitment. It often implies that the person is trying to find a way to not do what they are supposed to do.
What are the different verb forms of “wiggle out”?
| Root Verb | wiggle out |
| Third Person Singular Present | wiggles out |
| Present Participle | wiggling out |
| Simple Past | wiggled out |
| Past Participle | wiggled out |
Example
She always tries to wiggle out of doing her chores.
Example
He wiggles out of his responsibilities at work.
Example
They are wiggling out of their promise to help us.
Example
He wiggled out of attending the meeting last week.
Example
She had wiggled out of her commitment to the project.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wiggle out”?
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
“wiggle out” 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
He always wiggles out when it's time to clean.
Example
She wiggled out of going to the party.
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
“wiggle out” 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 always wiggles out when it's time to clean.
Example
She wiggled out of going to the party.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wiggle out”?
To avoid fulfilling a promise or obligation.
Example
She wiggled out of her commitment to volunteer at the event.
Good things to know
Does “wiggle out” have an informal or formal tone?
Wiggle out is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal synonyms like 'avoid' or 'evade' can be used.
