laze about

USAGE SUMMARY

"laze about" is a correct phrase used in written English.
You can use it when you want to imply that someone is being lazy and not doing anything productive or worthwhile. Example: After a long day at work, Jason just wanted to laze about on the couch.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But, frankly, why laze about when there are remote moorland walks and age-old villages to all sides?

The Guardian - Travel

Or you can just laze about in the shade of the twisting Aleppus pines and lick your melting ice cream.

The Guardian - Travel

He waves an arm at the swimming pool where our peers laze about and sighs.

Vice

Other destinations have also become popular in recent years, like the village of Vama Veche— where hippies laze about, ransack tents, fuck on the beach, and hit one another in the face and Mamaia, where club kids celebrate their holiday freedom by robbing people and committing random acts of vandalism.

Vice

Other destinations have also become popular in recent years, like the village of Vama Veche – where hippies laze about, ransack tents, fuck on the beach, and hit one another in the face – and Mamaia, where club kids celebrate their holiday freedom by robbing people and committing random acts of vandalism.

Vice

The shelf is now ready for kitty to laze about on, watching the world pass by.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Lazing about and watching the telly is a particularly popular pastime.

The Economist

I lazed about by the pool in the morning before flying back to Buenos Aires this afternoon.

The Guardian - Travel

The label of Le Fierbois yogurt, produced proudly in Touraine, shows happy cows lazing about on the grass under two columns of trees.

The New York Times

Touts lazed about and tried half-heartedly to befriend us; it turned out they were selling camel rides, and seemed surprised when we said yes.

The New Yorker

Visitors can try their hand at various activities from tractor-driving to archery, but the next day we lazed about like happy cows in our meadow.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laze about" to describe a deliberate choice to relax and be idle, especially in a pleasant or comfortable setting. For example: "After finishing the project, they decided to "laze about" on the beach all weekend."

Common error

Avoid using "laze about" in formal contexts or when describing necessary rest. It carries a connotation of idleness, which may not be appropriate. Instead, opt for words like "rest" or "relax" in situations where the idleness is justified or required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laze about" functions primarily as an intransitive phrasal verb. It describes the action of being idle or doing nothing in particular. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from holiday relaxation to describing animals' behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "laze about" describes the act of being idle and relaxing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples, primarily from News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating its common usage. While generally informal, it effectively conveys the idea of leisurely inactivity. Synonyms like "loaf around" or "lounge around" offer similar meanings, but it's important to avoid using "laze about" in overly formal contexts, as it carries a connotation of idleness. Use it to paint a picture of someone deliberately enjoying a break, as long as the tone matches the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

loaf around

Similar meaning, but slightly more informal and can imply wasting time.

lounge around

Implies a relaxed and comfortable posture while being idle.

idle around

Focuses more on inactivity without necessarily implying relaxation.

kick back

Suggests relaxing and enjoying leisure time, often after work.

chill out

Informal, suggests relaxing and calming down.

rest and unwind

Emphasizes the restorative aspect of relaxation.

take it easy

A broader phrase that advises relaxation and avoiding stress.

relax

A general term for reducing tension and enjoying leisure.

do nothing

Directly expresses the lack of activity.

slack off

Implies avoiding work or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "laze about" in a sentence?

You can use "laze about" to describe someone spending time relaxing and doing very little. For example: "During their vacation, they planned to "laze about" by the pool all day."

What are some synonyms for "laze about"?

Some synonyms for "laze about" include "loaf around", "lounge around", and "idle around". Each carries a similar connotation of relaxation and inactivity.

Is it appropriate to use "laze about" in formal writing?

No, "laze about" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more neutral terms like "rest" or "relax".

What's the difference between "laze about" and "slack off"?

"Laze about" implies relaxing and enjoying leisure time, while "slack off" suggests avoiding work or responsibility. The latter has a more negative connotation.