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Around and about Around and about are often (but not always) interchangeable in phrasal verbs. A good dictionary will tell you whether they can both be used. The only verbs on this page where both are not possible are marked *.
A
Basic meaning of around and about in phrasal verbs Around and about keep a lot of their basic meaning in many phrasal verbs. They often indicate activities and situations taking place in various locations, often without having a clear direction or order. There were books lying around everywhere in the room. The children were running about in the garden. Phrasal verbs with around and about are often informal. Look at this conversation between two teachers. Holly Rumours have been flying around the staffroom lately that you’re leaving. Is it true? Jake It amazes me how news gets around in this place! I did say to one or two people that I was tired of being bossed around by you-know-who, and, I have asked around* here and there to see if they need any full-time teachers, but I haven’t made a decision yet. Holly Oh, right. I heard the other day that Eleanor is sick of running around* after you-knowwho sorting out problems he’s caused. So she might leave too. By the way, do you have a copy of that new grammar book? I want to show it to my students. My copy’s floating about here somewhere but I just can’t find it. Jake Yes, I think I have a copy lying around here somewhere … Yes, here you are. Holly Thanks very much. So, what are you up to this weekened? Jake Nothing much, just pottering about at home, really. Oh goodness! Is that the time? I have a class now. Holly OK, see you later. Don’t forget that we switched our classrooms around this afternoon. You’re in Room 2. Note that in boss around, around emphasises the fact that the person is frequently being bossed by someone else, not the fact that this occurs in different places.
B
Other uses of around and about Here are some other phrasal verbs which use around and about. Children! Stop playing around! Sit politely. [behaving stupidly] The neighbours have been banging about next door all morning. I wonder what they’re doing. [making loud noises, for example hammering or moving heavy objects] Theo was clowning around at the party last night. It got very irritating. [acting in a silly way] Politicians often skirt around* the truth and don’t give direct answers to questions. [avoid discussing a difficult subject or problem] It’s a problem, but I’m sure we can work around* it in some way. [organise our activities to ensure that the problem does not prevent us from doing what we want to do]
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English Phrasal Verbs in Use Advanced
