frolicking around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'frolicking around' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action of joyous or playful behavior in either a literal or figurative sense. For example: The children were frolicking around the backyard, laughing and playing without a care in the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

You wouldn't be surprised to catch elves frolicking around, and maybe even fatal Melusine herself, the fairy heroine of a local legend, who, it was said, turned into a siren with the tail of a snake every Saturday night.

The New York Times - Magazine

Saving children, frolicking around, even creating some artwork -- animals were quite busy this week.

Huffington Post

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Vice

Perhaps more notable than the clips of Grayson frolicking around on a playground is that it is a clear Guche handbag-style knock off of a 2006 campaign spot for Eliot Spitzer.

Huffington Post

Otters are used to frolicking around in the water and snacking on invertebrates and such, but when it comes to airline security, it's safe to say that's one area otters aren't used to.

Huffington Post

Who knew Ginger Spice looked this good?? Former Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell, 40, is spending some time in Australia these days, prepping for her stint on "Australia's Got Talent," enjoying the winter sun and frolicking around in her bikini with her daughter, Bluebell Madonna.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Or go home and frolic around on waiting lists for my beloved NHS.

Vice

Summer is a good time to be corny and lame you can frolic around, wear stupid shorts, and do things that require the sort of positive energy that winter later converts to frigid shittiness.

Vice

The whales frolicked around and underneath the boat, displaying their tail flukes, lobtailing, blowing at the surface and showering us with their misty breath, and repeatedly spyhopping so close to the boat that we literally could have reached out and touched them.

Huffington Post

But it implodes, and we see Marnie dump Desi before venturing to a nostalgic emblem of home: her former apartment with Hannah, the same one where the two pals frolicked around to "Dancing On My Own" in Season 1, after Marnie processed her frustrations with Charlie and Hannah learned Elijah is gay.

Huffington Post

It's important for me to say to you that the Carey we saw that night was not the Carey who hit those insane high notes on the recorded version of "O Holy Night" or frolicked around in the snow in a red snowsuit in the "All I Want" music video more than 20 years ago.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of the phrase; it suggests a certain innocence and lack of self-consciousness.

Common error

Avoid using "frolicking around" in highly formal or serious writing; it can sound out of place. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "playing" or "enjoying themselves" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frolicking around" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to describe an ongoing action. It typically emphasizes playful and carefree movement or behavior, reinforcing Ludwig's statement that it describes joyous activity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frolicking around" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to depict joyful and carefree movement. As Ludwig AI explains, its purpose is to evoke a sense of lightheartedness, but it’s important to use it appropriately, considering its informal register. It's frequently found in news and media sources and can be replaced with alternatives like "romping about" or "gamboling around" for slight variations in meaning. Remember to avoid overusing it in formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

romping about

Implies energetic and playful movement, similar to "frolicking around" but with a slightly more boisterous tone.

gamboling around

Suggests lighthearted and carefree skipping or leaping, akin to "frolicking around" but with a more delicate feel.

playing joyfully

Focuses on the happiness and delight of the activity, less on the specific type of movement than "frolicking around".

cavorting about

Implies lively and exuberant behavior, similar to "frolicking around" but can also suggest a slightly mischievous quality.

prancing around

Suggests a showy and perhaps slightly self-conscious way of moving, unlike the more natural feel of "frolicking around".

skipping about

Focuses on a specific type of movement (skipping), while "frolicking around" is more general.

dancing playfully

Highlights the element of dance or rhythmic movement, unlike the broader sense of "frolicking around".

leaping about

Emphasizes jumping or bounding movements, whereas "frolicking around" encompasses a wider range of playful activities.

having fun

A general expression of enjoyment, less descriptive of the activity than "frolicking around".

reveling

Implies joyous celebration and merrymaking, which may or may not involve physical movement like "frolicking around".

FAQs

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

You can use "frolicking around" to describe playful and joyous movement. For example, "The children were "frolicking around" in the park."

What can I say instead of "frolicking around"?

Alternatives include "romping about", "gamboling around", or "playing joyfully" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "frolicking around" and "cavorting about"?

"Frolicking around" generally suggests innocent play, while "cavorting about" can imply more exuberant or even slightly mischievous behavior.

Is "frolicking around" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "frolicking around" is generally more suited for informal or descriptive writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "playing" or "engaging in recreational activities".