What are the definitions of “wrap around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cover with clothing, usually to keep warm.
She WRAPPED a scarf AROUND her head because it was so cold.
- 2Cover or encircle with part of your body.
He WRAPPED his arms AROUND her.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wrap around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wrap around is to cover or encircle something with an object or a part of your body. It is often used to describe the action of covering oneself or someone else with clothing or using one's arms to embrace someone.
What are the different verb forms of “wrap around”?
| Root Verb | wrap around |
| Third Person Singular Present | wraps around |
| Present Participle | wrapping around |
| Simple Past | wrapped around |
| Past Participle | wrapped around |
Example
She wrapped the scarf around her neck to keep warm.
Example
He wraps the blanket around himself when he watches TV.
Example
She is wrapping the bandage around her injured ankle.
Example
He wrapped his arms around her to comfort her.
Example
The vines had wrapped around the tree trunk over time.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wrap 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.)
Transitive verb
“wrap around” 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 wrapped the scarf around her neck.
Example
He wrapped his arms around her.
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
“wrap 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 wrapped the scarf around her neck.
Example
He wrapped his arms around her.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wrap around”?
Good things to know
Does “wrap around” have an informal or formal tone?
Wrap around 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 writing or speech, depending on the specific context.
