toss around

USAGE SUMMARY

'toss around' is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to discuss or think about something casually or informally. Example: During the brainstorming session, we tossed around different ideas for the company's new marketing campaign.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Many Yiddish words that people blithely toss around are in fact exceedingly vulgar.

The New York Times

Got 35K to toss around?

TechCrunch

During this time, place the pinenuts in a fairly hot frying pan and toss around until golden.

BBC

And it definitely wasn't an accusation that you could just toss around without receiving major backlash.

Huffington Post

Possibly the best food I have ever had -- not a compliment I toss around lightly.

Huffington Post

"Diversity" is an easy buzzword to toss around, but requires intention to implement successfully as a concept and industry standard.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Expletives have been tossed around.

The New York Times

A blow-up globe is tossed around.

The New York Times

Money was also tossed around.

The New York Times - Magazine

The term trailblazer is tossed around frequently.

Columbia University

The phrase "concrete bunker" was tossed around.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical actions, ensure the context makes it clear that the tossing is casual and without specific intent, rather than forceful or directed.

Common error

Avoid using "toss around" in formal or professional writing where a more precise or sophisticated term might be more appropriate. For instance, "discuss" or "consider" may be better choices in business reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "toss around" primarily functions as a verb, describing an action. Ludwig examples show it referring to both discussing ideas informally and physically moving objects lightly. Its grammatical function depends on the context, indicating either a casual discussion or a physical action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "toss around" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the casual discussion of ideas or the light physical movement of objects. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, but it's essential to consider the context and register. While frequently found in News & Media and used in Academia, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in professional writing. Be mindful that overuse in formal settings could diminish clarity and precision. Its dual meaning requires awareness, making sure the intended meaning (physical action or discussion) is clear from the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discuss casually

Focuses on the informal discussion aspect, omitting the physical movement connotation.

consider lightly

Highlights the non-serious consideration of something, removing the element of physical action or lengthy discussion.

kick around

Similar in meaning, suggesting informal discussion and exploration of ideas, adding a more active and collaborative connotation.

bandy about

Implies spreading information or ideas widely and often carelessly, which goes beyond simple discussion.

float ideas

Emphasizes the introduction of ideas for consideration, lacking the more general sense of discussion.

moot

Focuses on debating or discussing a question, often in a formal setting, contrasting with the informality of "toss around".

exchange views

Stresses the reciprocal sharing of opinions, deviating from the broader sense of considering options or physically moving something.

pass around

More literal, referring to physically handing something from person to person, which is related to one of the possible meanings of "toss around".

throw about

Focuses on the reckless or excessive use of something, rather than the casual discussion or consideration, while retaining a physical connotation.

fling around

Emphasizes the careless or forceful physical movement of something, potentially extending to using words or accusations irresponsibly.

FAQs

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

You can use "toss around" to describe casually discussing ideas, as in, "We tossed around some ideas for the project during the meeting." It can also describe physically tossing something lightly, like, "They tossed the ball around in the park."

What are some synonyms for "toss around"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "discuss casually", "consider lightly", or "bandy about".

Is it appropriate to use "toss around" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "toss around" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "discuss", "consider", or "evaluate".

What's the difference between "toss around" and "kick around"?

Both phrases suggest informal discussion, but "kick around" often implies a more active and collaborative exploration of ideas, while "toss around" can also refer to physically tossing something.