English Reference

Phrasal verb

dog around

Definition

phrasal verb. to follow someone everywhere in an annoying way or to treat them badly. You use this when someone is bothering you or bossing you around.

phrasal verb. to follow someone persistently or to treat them with contempt and lack of consideration. This phrasal verb is transitive and frequently occurs in the passive voice when describing being plagued by persistent problems.

Examples

“Stop dogging me around and let me finish my homework.”

“She felt like her ex-boyfriend was dogging her around by showing up at her favorite coffee shops.”

“The disgraced politician was dogged around by the press for weeks, making it impossible for him to leave his home without being harassed.”

Examples

simple

“Stop dogging me around and let me finish my homework.”

contextual

“She felt like her ex-boyfriend was dogging her around by showing up at her favorite coffee shops.”

complex

“The disgraced politician was dogged around by the press for weeks, making it impossible for him to leave his home without being harassed.”

Usage

usually takes a person as a direct object and carries a strong negative connotation of harassment.

Teaching tip

compare this to 'boss around' or 'push around' to show how 'dog' adds a sense of persistent, animal-like following.

Phrasal verb

Particles

around

Separability

optional

Pattern

dog + object + around

Synonyms

houndpesterfollow aroundharass

Antonyms

leave aloneignore

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference