lounge around

USAGE SUMMARY

"lounge around" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe when someone is relaxing in an idle or casual manner. For example, "On the weekend, I like to lounge around and watch TV."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Just don't step on the dogs who typically lounge around outside.

The New York Times - Travel

At Chawri Bazar, in old Delhi, bicycle-rickshaw riders tout for business, while stray cows lounge around in the middle of the roundabout.

The Economist

That said, I lounge around doing as little as humanly possible, embracing my inner sloth.

Huffington Post

— who lounge around like Ingres odalisques.

The New York Times - Arts

"In jail, they lounge around and watch television.

The New York Times

Drivers lounge around, with no idea when fuel will come.

The New Yorker

ALMEREYDA -- Stage actors like to lounge around on the floor.

The New York Times

That morning it was fun to lounge around".

The New York Times - Magazine

Students lounge around in groups smoking and playing cards.

The Guardian

I sent myself two negligees To lounge around in on a chaise.

The New York Times

Some of the protesters sport dreadlocks, look ragged and lounge around on mattresses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lounge around" to describe a relaxed and casual way of spending time, often involving inactivity or light activities like reading or watching TV.

Common error

Avoid using "lounge around" in formal contexts where a more professional or active tone is expected. Instead, opt for phrases like "relax" or "rest".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lounge around" functions primarily as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating a state of relaxation or inactivity. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lounge around" is a common and accepted phrasal verb used to describe relaxing and spending time in a casual, often inactive, manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. While generally informal, its frequent appearance in news and media shows its widespread use. Consider alternative phrases like "relax" or "chill out" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid using "lounge around" in formal contexts where a more professional tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chill out

Implies calming down and relaxing, often in response to stress.

take it easy

A general expression for relaxing and avoiding exertion.

relax

Focuses on reducing stress and tension, broader than just physical inactivity.

unwind

Focuses on releasing mental tension after a stressful period.

kick back

Suggests a casual and relaxed posture, often after work.

loaf

Implies wasting time in a relaxed manner, often aimlessly.

hang out

Implies spending time casually, often with friends, without a specific agenda.

take a load off

Informal idiom referring to physical and mental relaxation, often involving sitting down.

idle

Suggests inactivity with a negative connotation, implying laziness or lack of purpose.

vegetate

Suggests a passive and unthinking state of relaxation, often watching television.

FAQs

What does "lounge around" mean?

The phrase "lounge around" means to relax in a comfortable and casual way, typically involving inactivity or light activities.

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

You can use "lounge around" to describe relaxing activities. For example, "On weekends, I like to "lounge around" the house and read a book."

What are some alternatives to "lounge around"?

Alternatives include "relax", "chill out", or "take it easy", depending on the specific context.

Is "lounge around" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "lounge around" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, use more professional terms like "relax" or "recline".