What are the definitions of “root around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Look in a place to try to find something.
I ROOTED AROUND my flat trying to find the letter.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “root around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb root around is to search for something in a place, often by looking through a lot of things. For example, it can mean searching for a lost item in a messy room or looking for a specific document in a pile of papers.
What are the different verb forms of “root around”?
| Root Verb | root around |
| Third Person Singular Present | roots around |
| Present Participle | rooting around |
| Simple Past | rooted around |
| Past Participle | rooted around |
Example
I always root around my room when I can't find my keys.
Example
She roots around her purse to find her wallet.
Example
He is rooting around the garage for his toolbox.
Example
Yesterday, they rooted around the attic for old family photos.
Example
The lost toy was found after we rooted around the house.
What kind of phrasal verb is “root 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.)
Intransitive verb
“root around” 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
She rooted around in her purse for her keys.
Example
He rooted around the garage looking for his tools.
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
“root 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 rooted around in her purse for her keys.
Example
He rooted around the garage looking for his tools.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “root around”?
Good things to know
Does “root around” have an informal or formal tone?
Root around is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms such as 'search' or 'look for'.
