What are the definitions of “root about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Look in a place to try to find something.
He ROOTED ABOUT in his briefcase, trying to find a pen.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “root about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb root about is to search for something in a place, often by moving things around or looking through a container. For example, it can mean looking for a pen in a bag, searching for a document in a drawer, or trying to find a specific item in a messy room.
What are the different verb forms of “root about”?
| Root Verb | root about |
| Third Person Singular Present | roots about |
| Present Participle | rooting about |
| Simple Past | rooted about |
| Past Participle | rooted about |
Example
She always roots about in her purse to find her keys.
Example
He roots about in his backpack for a snack.
Example
They are rooting about in the closet, trying to find their winter clothes.
Example
Yesterday, I rooted about in the garage to find my old bicycle.
Example
The lost item was finally found after she had rooted about in her room for hours.
What kind of phrasal verb is “root about”?
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 about” 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 about in her purse for her phone.
Example
He rooted about in the drawer for a pair of scissors.
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 about” 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 about in her purse for her phone.
Example
He rooted about in the drawer for a pair of scissors.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “root about”?
Good things to know
Does “root about” have an informal or formal tone?
Root about 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,' 'look for,' or 'rummage.'
