Grammar fix
misbehave
behave badly
To behave badly or break the rules, especially when talking about a child or pet.
How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The children started to misbehave when their parents left the room.
When I was young, I sometimes misbehaved at school, especially if the lesson was too long.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The children misbehaved themselves at the party.
Say: The children misbehaved at the party.
'Misbehave' does not take a reflexive pronoun such as 'themselves'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Behave badly, like a naughty child
How formalInformalNeutral
play upBritish: describe children behaving badly or seeking attention.act upInformal, everywhere: children or pets behaving badly; also machines.
misbehaveYou're here · Describe bad behaviour, especially by children or pets.