What are the definitions of “potter around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Spend some time doing little things for pleasure.
I POTTERED AROUND, sorting out my CDS and a few other things.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “potter around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb potter around is to spend time doing small, enjoyable tasks or activities without any particular purpose or goal. It often involves moving from one task to another at a leisurely pace.
What are the different verb forms of “potter around”?
| Root Verb | potter around |
| Third Person Singular Present | potters around |
| Present Participle | pottering around |
| Simple Past | pottered around |
| Past Participle | pottered around |
Example
On weekends, I like to potter around the house, tidying up and organizing things.
Example
She potters around the garden, watering plants and pulling weeds.
Example
He is pottering around the kitchen, making a cup of tea and preparing a snack.
Example
Yesterday, they pottered around the neighborhood, visiting friends and enjoying the weather.
Example
We have pottered around the house all day, doing little chores and relaxing.
What kind of phrasal verb is “potter around”?
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
“potter around” 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
I pottered around the house all morning.
Example
She pottered around the garden, enjoying the sunshine.
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
“potter around” 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
I pottered around the house all morning.
Example
She pottered around the garden, enjoying the sunshine.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “potter around”?
Potter around the house
Spend time doing small tasks or activities at home for pleasure.
Example
On my day off, I like to potter around the house and catch up on my hobbies.
Potter around the garden
Spend time doing small tasks or activities in the garden for pleasure.
Example
My grandfather loves to potter around the garden and take care of his plants.
Potter around the shops
Spend time browsing and looking at items in various shops without a specific purpose.
Example
We spent the afternoon pottering around the shops and enjoying the atmosphere.
Good things to know
Does “potter around” have an informal or formal tone?
Potter around is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “potter around”?
Synonyms
Antonyms
- concentrate
- rush
- hurry
- focus
- work diligently
- be productive
- be efficient
