fool around

USAGE SUMMARY

'fool around' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used as an idiom to mean to waste time or behave in a silly or playful manner. Example sentence: The kids were fooling around in the backyard all afternoon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"You can't fool around".

The New York Times

"They don't fool around.

The New York Times - Sports

"He didn't fool around anymore".

The New York Times - Sports

But why fool around?

The New York Times - Arts

Elena Kagan doesn't fool around.

The Washington Post

The bureau doesn't fool around".

The New York Times

Southern Baptists don't fool around.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm not going to fool around anymore.

The New Yorker

"You don't fool around with concussions.

The New York Times - Sports

Tony Gilroy likes to fool around.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

These people shouldn't fool around in the stock market.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fool around" to describe lighthearted or unproductive activities, especially when implying a lack of serious intent. Ensure the context aligns with the informal and often playful connotation of the phrase.

Common error

While "fool around" is a common idiom, it's generally too informal for professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "engage in unproductive activities" or "act without seriousness" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "fool around" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, describing an action performed by the subject. It indicates engaging in frivolous behavior, wasting time, or, in some contexts, engaging in casual sexual acts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

23%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "fool around" is a common and generally accepted idiom that typically denotes engaging in frivolous or unproductive activities. Ludwig AI validates its correctness for written English. It often implies a lack of seriousness or a playful attitude. While widely used in informal contexts, particularly in News & Media and casual conversation, it is generally unsuitable for formal writing, where more precise and professional alternatives are preferred. Remember to consider your audience and the context when deciding whether to use "fool around" or a more formal equivalent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mess around

Emphasizes a lack of seriousness or purpose, often involving playful or disruptive behavior.

play around

Indicates casual engagement or experimentation, without a strong commitment or serious intention.

monkey around

Implies silly or mischievous behavior, similar to "fool around" but with a slightly stronger connotation of playful misbehavior.

horse around

Suggests boisterous and energetic play, often involving physical activity or roughhousing.

lark about

Conveys a lighthearted and carefree attitude, with a focus on enjoying oneself in a playful manner.

behave frivolously

Emphasizes the lack of seriousness or responsibility in one's actions.

fritter away time

Highlights the wasteful aspect of spending time on trivial or unproductive activities.

dawdle

Focuses on slow and aimless movement or activity, often implying a lack of urgency or purpose.

dally

Similar to dawdle, but can also imply flirtatious or romantic involvement without serious intent.

trifle

Suggests handling something without due seriousness or respect, often with negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "fool around" to describe someone engaging in silly behavior or wasting time, for example: "The students were "fooling around" instead of studying."

What does it mean to "fool around" with someone?

When you "fool around" with someone, it can mean engaging in casual or flirtatious behavior, or it can mean treating them disrespectfully. The specific meaning depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "fool around"?

You can use alternatives like "mess around", "play around", or "waste time" depending on the specific context.

Is "fool around" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "fool around" is generally considered too informal for academic or professional writing. It's better to use more formal alternatives like "engage in unproductive activities" or "act without seriousness".