What are the definitions of “clown about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Behave stupidly or waste time.
The students were CLOWNING ABOUT all lesson.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “clown about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb clown about is to behave in a silly or foolish way, often to make others laugh or to waste time. It is used to describe someone who is not taking a situation seriously or is not focused on the task at hand.
What are the different verb forms of “clown about”?
| Root Verb | clown about |
| Third Person Singular Present | clowns about |
| Present Participle | clowning about |
| Simple Past | clowned about |
| Past Participle | clowned about |
Example
The children were clowning about in the playground.
Example
He always clowns about during class and distracts the other students.
Example
She is always clowning about when she should be working.
Example
Yesterday, they clowned about instead of finishing their project.
Example
The students had clowned about all lesson and didn't learn anything.
What kind of phrasal verb is “clown 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.)
Intransitive verb
“clown about” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The kids were clowning about in the park.
Example
He clowned about during the meeting.
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
“clown 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
The kids were clowning about in the park.
Example
He clowned about during the meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “clown about”?
Clown around
Similar to *clown about*, meaning to behave in a silly or foolish way.
Example
He always clowns around at parties, making everyone laugh.
Clown car
A small car that is humorously packed with a large number of people, often associated with circus clowns.
Example
The tiny car pulled up, and it was like a clown car with all the people getting out.
Class clown
A person, usually a student, who is known for making jokes and being funny, often to gain attention or distract others.
Example
He was always the class clown in school, making everyone laugh during lessons.
Good things to know
Does “clown about” have an informal or formal tone?
Clown about is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations and settings. It is not appropriate for formal writing or situations, where more formal alternatives like 'behave foolishly' or 'waste time' should be used instead.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “clown about”?
Synonyms
- fool around
- mess around
- act silly
- joke around
- play the fool
- horse around
Antonyms
- behave
- concentrate
- act seriously
- focus
- work diligently
- be responsible
