dabble around

USAGE SUMMARY

"dabble around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to experiment with or attempt something. You could use it in a sentence like this: "He liked to dabble around in the arts and crafts projects he found online."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Readbug digitizes the content it get from its publishing partners so they don't have to — again, making the model a good fit for smaller indies who likely don't have the resources to dabble around with tech themselves (vs big publishers who may well already have their own apps).

TechCrunch

Readbug digitizes the content it get from its publishing partners so they don't have to — again, making the model a good fit for smaller indies who likely don't have the resources to dabble around with tech themselves (vs big publishers who may well already have their own apps).

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

'That's just dabbling around the margins,' he says.

The Guardian

"The very camp tone is quite typical of letters of the period from these Cambridge circles, where after all there were no women in those days, and there were a lot of them dabbling around in this kind of thing.

The Guardian

(Bob Haldemann, the White House chief of staff, Nixon wrote, "As you know, a number of people have been dabbling around with the idea of trying either to purchase one of the television networks or to set up another network Billy Graham, Tom Dewey"—the former New York Governor—"etc., have been talking about this.

The New Yorker

"Complicated situations attract us, and we are always dabbling around at things that are hated," Rapuano adds.

Forbes

Former UK apprentice TV star Michelle Dewberry has been dabbling around the edges of the tech scene the last couple of years but until now she's concentrated on a media play, Chiconomise, centred around hand-picking nice deals for women on a budget (a recession friendly idea, no?).

TechCrunch

I'll tell you, this star issue is interesting because and I think it was the Buddhist influence, he had dabbled around in Buddhism sometime in the late 60s and I think Ziggy Stardust, which, remember, he recorded when he wasn't a star.

Vice

I dabbled, I goofed around, and after about three months, I dove in full time and haven't come up for air since.

HuffPost

If they're starting to dabble with automated props that can whiz around the stage or above the audience, these shows are going to get crazy /crazier).

TechCrunch

People in the rich world love to dabble in a past they were lucky enough to avoid — you know, a couple of chickens running around with the children in the back yard.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dabble around" when you want to describe a casual or exploratory engagement with something, especially when the commitment is low or the outcome uncertain.

Common error

Don't use "dabble around" to describe situations where deep expertise or significant effort is involved. It can undermine the seriousness of the endeavor. Consider stronger verbs like "specialize", "master", or "dedicate oneself to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dabble around" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a casual or unserious engagement with an activity. Ludwig confirms it as correct and usable. It suggests that someone is trying something without full commitment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dabble around" is a grammatically correct and usable expression meaning to casually experiment or engage with something without serious commitment. While Ludwig confirms its validity, its occurrence is relatively rare, primarily found in news and media contexts. It's considered informal, best suited for describing lighthearted or exploratory activities. When precision and seriousness are required, it is advisable to use more descriptive and professional alternatives. Consider phrases such as ""experiment with"" or "toy with" to describe similar engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

toy with

Focuses on experimenting or considering something without serious intent.

experiment with

Highlights the exploratory nature of trying something new.

mess around with

Suggests an informal and playful approach.

play around with

Similar to mess around, implying a relaxed and casual engagement.

fiddle with

Implies making small adjustments or attempts.

tinker with

Focuses on making minor repairs or adjustments in an unmethodical way.

dip into

Describes briefly engaging with an activity or subject.

scratch the surface

Highlights a superficial engagement without delving deeply.

have a go at

Indicates an attempt or try at something without commitment.

take a stab at

Suggests an attempt that may or may not be successful.

FAQs

What does "dabble around" mean?

The phrase "dabble around" means to casually experiment or get involved with something without serious commitment or deep expertise. It suggests a non-committal approach.

How can I use "dabble around" in a sentence?

You might say, "He likes to "experiment with" different hobbies but never sticks with one for long", or "She enjoys "messing around with" coding in her free time".

What are some alternatives to "dabble around"?

Alternatives include phrases like "toy with", ""experiment with"", or "mess around with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dabble around" formal or informal?

"Dabble around" is generally considered an informal phrase. For more formal contexts, consider using more precise and professional language to describe the activity.