0
Jandi Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

Verbs

Hello, teachers!

Could you please tell me if these verbs are all OK are natural?

1. See the children playing/sporting/frolicking on the lawn.
2. The bullies claimed that no harm was intended; they were just [teasing, sporting with] their victim.

Thank you very much.
  

Top answer

The verb "sport" does not occur much in American English. Maybe it's more of a British expression. To me, "to frolic" is also a rather rarely heard verb.

— CalifJim

  • The verb "sport" does not occur much in American English.
  • Maybe it's more of a British expression.
  • To me, "to frolic" is also a rather rarely heard verb.
  • "playing on the lawn" and "teasing their victim" are the most usual phrases among those you suggest.
  • CJ
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

5 Answers
0
The verb "sport" does not occur much in American English. Maybe it's more of a British expression. To me, "to frolic" is also a rather rarely heard verb. "playing on the lawn" and "teasing their victim" are the most usual phrases among those you suggest.

CJ
0
0
You could say a man is sporting a carnation on his lapel, but of course it has nothing to do with sports!
0
0
We rarely sport or frolic in BrE...

So I'd agree with CJ's choices, Jandi!

MrP
Edit: No, that's not quite true, on 2nd thoughts.

Our tabloid stories of celebrity hanky-panky often use the word 'frolic' to mean a brief, uncomplicated relationship between a man and a woman. So not quite the context we want here.
0
0
Yes, the concept of frolicking in the more innocent sense is needed here, but in that sense, "frolic" is just a silly old verb, don't you think? Is it even possible to frolic in today's complex world? I think of young foxes or kittens when I think of frolicking. I don't know why.

0
0
Thank you, my great teachers!
Enjoy the birds twittering of spring....

Emotion: smile
0

Related Questions