What are the definitions of “fool with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Play with something dangerous.
Don't FOOL WITH that — it could explode.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fool with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fool with is to play with something dangerous or risky, often without understanding the potential consequences. It can be used to describe someone who is not taking a situation seriously or is being careless.
What are the different verb forms of “fool with”?
| Root Verb | fool with |
| Third Person Singular Present | fools with |
| Present Participle | fooling with |
| Simple Past | fooled with |
| Past Participle | fooled with |
Example
You shouldn't fool with firecrackers; they can be dangerous.
Example
He fools with the electrical wires, even though he doesn't know what he's doing.
Example
She is fooling with the chemicals in the lab, which could be hazardous.
Example
Yesterday, they fooled with the broken glass and got hurt.
Example
He had fooled with the wild animal and got bitten.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fool 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
“fool 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
Don't fool with that knife; you might cut yourself.
Example
She fooled with the poisonous plant and got a rash.
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
“fool 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
Don't fool with that knife; you might cut yourself.
Example
She fooled with the poisonous plant and got a rash.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fool with”?
Good things to know
Does “fool with” have an informal or formal tone?
Fool with is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written documents. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as 'tamper with' or 'meddle with' may be more appropriate.
