Phrasal verb
root around
Definition
phrasal verb. to search for something by moving other things around, usually in a drawer, bag, or box. You use this when you are looking for something small and hidden.
phrasal verb. to search for something by moving or turning over various items, typically within a container or confined space. Often implies a disorganized or physical search; the verb is intransitive and frequently takes a prepositional phrase.
Examples
“I had to root around in my bag to find my keys.”
“She spent ten minutes rooting around in the attic looking for the old family photo album.”
“The investigator began to root around in the discarded files, hoping to uncover a shred of evidence that the previous team had overlooked.”
Examples
simple
“I had to root around in my bag to find my keys.”
contextual
“She spent ten minutes rooting around in the attic looking for the old family photo album.”
complex
“The investigator began to root around in the discarded files, hoping to uncover a shred of evidence that the previous team had overlooked.”
Usage
usually followed by 'in' for the location or 'for' for the object being sought.
Teaching tip
link the verb to the image of an animal digging with its snout to help students remember the physical nature of the search.
Pitfall
I rooted around my keys.
I rooted around for my keys.
the verb is intransitive and requires 'for' to introduce the object being searched for.
Phrasal verb
Particles
around
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
root + around
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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