screw around

USAGE SUMMARY

"screw around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean "to mess around" or "to waste time". For example, you could say: "Don't just screw around, get some work done!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Let's be honest: it's just not the sort of thing you want to screw around with.

The New Yorker

Although to screw around still suggests promiscuity, the substitution of up for around obliterates any sexual connotation.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I think it manifests itself as an unwillingness to screw around, and an unwillingness to be heavy-handed.

The New York Times - Arts

"When it came to civilians, anybody that may or may not be posing a threat, he really didn't screw around," a soldier said.

The New Yorker

In 2008, a Chevron lobbyist in Washington told Newsweek, "We can't let little countries screw around with big companies like this".

The New Yorker

"Don't make me run round here with 30 kinds of fucking gear on in the sun," he says, "because you want to screw around out here".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

I screwed around, not putting in a proper attendance.

The Guardian

Sadly, the cure for screwing around turns out to be more screwing around, with the volume turned up.

The New Yorker

That's someone's livelihood he's screwing around with there.

The Guardian - Film

"Helen, there's got to be more to life than just screwing around," Linda says.

The New Yorker

Stourton occasionally recognises that this logic could be reversed: "The more he screwed around, the more screwed up she got".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "screw around" when you want to convey a sense of wasting time, messing around, or not taking something seriously. Be mindful of the audience, as it can be considered informal or even vulgar in some contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "screw around" in formal writing or professional settings where a more polite or neutral tone is expected. Opt for alternatives like "waste time" or "be unproductive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "screw around" functions primarily as an idiomatic verb phrase. Ludwig AI provides examples showing its use in various contexts, often to describe wasting time or avoiding serious tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "screw around" is an idiomatic verb phrase that generally means to waste time, fool around, or not take something seriously. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct but considered informal. While very common in news and media, and general conversation, it's best to avoid using it in formal or professional contexts. Alternatives such as "waste time", "fool around", or "mess around" may be more suitable depending on the situation. Be mindful of your audience and the desired tone when choosing to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fool around

Implies playful or frivolous behavior, similar to wasting time but with a stronger connotation of amusement.

mess around

Similar to "screw around" but slightly less vulgar and often used in a more general context of tampering or interfering.

waste time

Focuses specifically on the unproductive use of time, without necessarily implying playful or mischievous behavior.

idle away

Suggests spending time in a lazy or aimless manner, often in a pleasant or relaxing way.

lounge around

Implies relaxing and doing nothing in a comfortable or leisurely way.

slack off

Suggests avoiding work or responsibility, often temporarily or occasionally.

goof off

Implies being silly or playful when one should be serious or productive.

dally around

Suggests lingering or delaying, often in a romantic or frivolous way.

fritter away

Implies wasting something valuable, such as time or money, in a careless or trivial way.

monkey around

Implies playful or mischievous behavior, often involving tinkering or fiddling with something.

FAQs

What does "screw around" mean?

The phrase "screw around" generally means to waste time, avoid serious tasks, or engage in frivolous activities. It can also imply messing with something in a clumsy or unproductive way.

Is "screw around" appropriate in formal writing?

No, "screw around" is generally considered informal and should be avoided in formal writing. Use alternatives like "waste time" or "be unproductive" instead.

What are some alternatives to "screw around"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "fool around", "mess around", "waste time", or "idle away".

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

You can use "screw around" in sentences like: "Stop screwing around and get to work!" or "They were just screwing around with the equipment and accidentally broke it."