What are the definitions of “boss about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Use excessive authority to control people.
She BOSSES everyone ABOUT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “boss about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb boss about is to use excessive authority to control people or to tell them what to do in an overbearing manner. It often implies that the person doing the bossing is being too controlling or demanding.
What are the different verb forms of “boss about”?
| Root Verb | boss about |
| Third Person Singular Present | bosses about |
| Present Participle | bossing about |
| Simple Past | bossed about |
| Past Participle | bossed about |
Example
He always tries to boss people about at work.
Example
She bosses everyone about in the office.
Example
He is always bossing about his younger siblings.
Example
Yesterday, she bossed everyone about during the meeting.
Example
He felt like he was being bossed about by his manager.
What kind of phrasal verb is “boss about”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“boss about” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She bosses everyone about at work.
Example
He bossed his siblings about all weekend.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“boss about” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She bosses everyone about at work.
Example
He bossed his siblings about all weekend.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “boss about”?
Boss someone about
To exert excessive authority and control by giving orders in a bossy and domineering manner.
Example
During the group project, he constantly bossed his classmates about, telling them how to do everything.
Boss about at work
To use an authoritarian approach in giving orders or instructions in a workplace setting.
Example
She has a reputation for bossing everyone about in the office.
Boss about at home
To control or direct others in a household environment in a demanding manner.
Example
He's always bossing his younger siblings about, telling them what to do.
Boss something out
To plan or work out the details of something in an authoritative manner.
Example
Let's boss out the project timeline before presenting it.
Good things to know
Does “boss about” have an informal or formal tone?
The phrasal verb boss about is informal and often used in everyday speech. It can sound a bit direct and even rude, so it's important to consider the tone and context when using it. In more formal situations, it's advisable to use more neutral language to convey authority.
