bustle about

USAGE SUMMARY

"bustle about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a lot of movement and activity in a specific area or location. For example: "In the shopping mall, people were bustling about looking for the best deals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Black-clad waiters bustle about, taking coats, bringing menus, and generally love-bombing everyone.

Independent

She repeatedly calls out to assistants who bustle about: what time is it?

The New York Times

Men in black T-shirts bustle about, moving mysterious tall black cases to the shipping dock out back.

The New York Times

At White Street, several solicitous young hostesses bustle about, managing to make short skirts, very high heels, and even lamé appear tasteful.

The New Yorker

Soaked in sparkles with enough hair spray and make-up to be on a Broadway stage, the young dancers bustle about, waiting for their numbers to be called.

The New York Times - Arts

Unlike his predecessor, he deliberately does not bustle about, conjuring up new headline-grabbing policies on a whim: he is quietly putting in place more or less what he promised during the campaign.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

They sent people bustling about and colliding in comic commotions.

The New York Times - Arts

I bustled about, ashamed, and Ms. Riceberg sat down.

The New York Times

Half-naked, soot-covered men bustled about, as did many young boys.

The New Yorker

Camp's friends and family bustled about, registering arm wrestlers and officiating at the one-day event.

The New York Times - Sports

In the morning, waitresses in neat uniforms bustled about, bringing us jam and juice almost before we could ask.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bustle about" to vividly describe a scene of busy activity where people or things are moving with energy and purpose. This phrase works particularly well in descriptive writing to bring a setting to life.

Common error

While "bustle about" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "move around" or "attend to tasks" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "bustle about" functions as a descriptive verb, portraying a scene filled with active movement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides diverse examples showcasing its application in describing energetic activity in various settings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bustle about" is a grammatically sound phrasal verb used to depict energetic and purposeful movement. As validated by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for describing lively scenes across various contexts, although it might be less frequent in highly formal writing. Predominantly found in news and media, it conveys a sense of activity and dynamism. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances like the speed or purpose of the movement. Remember to avoid overuse in overly formal settings to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move around busily

Emphasizes the busy nature of the movement, adding a sense of purpose or urgency.

hurry to and fro

Suggests quick movement back and forth, highlighting the repetitive nature of the activity.

scurry around

Implies a rushed and somewhat disorganized movement, often due to a lack of time.

dash about

Highlights the speed and abruptness of the movements, suggesting a sense of excitement or panic.

flit around

Suggests light, quick movements, often in a playful or unserious manner.

zip around

Emphasizes the speed and efficiency of the movement, often implying technological assistance.

whiz around

Similar to 'zip around', but emphasizes a buzzing or whooshing sound during movement.

run around

Focuses on the act of running, highlighting physical exertion and a possible lack of direction.

get around busily

Highlights the act of 'getting around' or circumventing obstacles, not simply moving.

be on the go

Indicates a state of constant movement and activity, rather than a specific action of moving about.

FAQs

How can I use "bustle about" in a sentence?

You can use "bustle about" to describe people or things moving around in a busy and energetic manner. For example, "The waiters "bustle about" in the restaurant, serving customers".

What does "bustle about" mean?

"Bustle about" means to move around energetically and busily, often to get something done. It implies a sense of activity and purpose.

What are some alternatives to "bustle about"?

Alternatives to "bustle about" include "move around busily", "hurry to and fro", or "scurry around", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bustle about" formal or informal?

"Bustle about" is generally considered neutral in tone. It is suitable for both informal and many formal contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain professional settings.