to frolic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to frolic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe playful, lively, or carefree movement, often associated with children or animals. Example: "The children ran to the park, eager to frolic in the sunshine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He tried to frolic with the children.

The New York Times

set paying six figures to frolic in the snow.

The New York Times

One of them is sand to frolic on.

The New York Times

Mavericks are supposed to frolic on the pop stage.

The Guardian - Music

But he was forbidden by his seatmates to frolic on the ice.

The New York Times

"Kafkarate" invites visitors to frolic in the footsteps of the Czech novelist Franz Kafka.

The New York Times

He's hardly about to frolic through his later years with a gilt-edged pension plan.

The Guardian

Verdurin, who loved nothing better than "to frolic in her billow of stock expressions".

The New York Times - Books

In its upward crawl, ramp sent out a tendril that became romp, "to frolic".

The New York Times - Magazine

In the summertime, we are free to frolic in lighter, skimpier clothing – at least theoretically.

The Guardian - Opinion

This weekend the Bronx Zoo is celebrating a creature that loves to frolic in the water.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to frolic" to vividly describe scenes of joyful, uninhibited play, particularly in natural settings or among groups of people or animals. For example, "The lambs loved to frolic in the meadow."

Common error

Avoid using "to frolic" in formal or professional writing, as it can sound too whimsical or lighthearted. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "to play" or "to enjoy leisure activities" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to frolic" functions as an infinitive, often used to express the purpose or nature of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing playful or joyful activities, as illustrated by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to frolic" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that describes joyful and uninhibited play. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to evoke a sense of lightheartedness and carefree abandon. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts, avoiding overly formal writing. Its prevalence in news and media sources, as well as general-interest content, underscores its widespread acceptance. Remember to reserve it for scenarios where describing playful, lively movement enhances the narrative, and not for formal settings where alternative expressions may better suit the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to romp

Similar in meaning, but often implies more boisterous or unrestrained play.

to gambol

Suggests a more lively and joyful form of playing, often involving leaping or skipping.

to play joyfully

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of play, highlighting happiness and delight.

to cavort

Suggests exuberant and high-spirited behavior, often in a playful manner.

to skip and play

More descriptive, specifying the actions involved in the playful activity.

to sport

A more formal way to describe playful activity, sometimes suggesting a leisurely pursuit.

to revel

Implies taking great pleasure or delight, sometimes extending beyond mere play.

to lark around

A more informal way to describe playful, often mischievous behavior.

to engage in merriment

Focuses on the joyful and festive aspect of the activity.

to take delight

Highlights the enjoyment and pleasure derived from playful activity.

FAQs

How can I use "to frolic" in a sentence?

You can use "to frolic" to describe playful and joyful behavior. For example, "The children love "to frolic" in the park" or "The dolphins were seen "to frolic" in the waves".

What are some synonyms for "to frolic"?

Alternatives to "to frolic" include "to romp", "to gambol", "to play", and "to cavort". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "to frolic" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "to frolic" is generally better suited for informal or descriptive writing. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "to engage in recreational activities" or "to enjoy leisure time".

What's the difference between "to frolic" and "to play"?

"To play" is a general term for engaging in activities for enjoyment, while "to frolic" specifically implies joyful, carefree, and often energetic play. "To frolic" suggests a more exuberant and lively form of playing.