What are the definitions of “wriggle out of”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Avoid doing something in a way other people don't like.
He always manages to WRIGGLE OUT OF any extra work we get.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wriggle out of”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wriggle out of is to avoid doing something in a way that other people don't like or find dishonest. It often implies that someone is trying to escape a responsibility or commitment.
What are the different verb forms of “wriggle out of”?
| Root Verb | wriggle out of |
| Third Person Singular Present | wriggles out of |
| Present Participle | wriggling out of |
| Simple Past | wriggled out of |
| Past Participle | wriggled out of |
Example
She always tries to wriggle out of doing the dishes.
Example
He wriggles out of his chores whenever he can.
Example
They are wriggling out of their responsibilities at work.
Example
He wriggled out of helping his friend move last weekend.
Example
She had wriggled out of attending the meeting.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wriggle out of”?
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
“wriggle out of” 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
He wriggled out of doing his homework.
Example
She wriggled out of attending the party.
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
“wriggle out of” 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
He wriggled out of doing his homework.
Example
She wriggled out of attending the party.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wriggle out of”?
Wriggle out of a tight spot
To escape from a difficult or uncomfortable situation.
Example
He managed to wriggle out of a tight spot when his boss questioned him about the missing report.
Wriggle out of a commitment
To avoid fulfilling a promise or obligation.
Example
She wriggled out of her commitment to volunteer at the event.
Wriggle out of a conversation
To avoid continuing a conversation, especially when it becomes uncomfortable or awkward.
Example
He wriggled out of the conversation when they started discussing politics.
Good things to know
Does “wriggle out of” have an informal or formal tone?
Wriggle out of is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'avoid' or 'evade' instead.
