call around

USAGE SUMMARY

'call around' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to contacting a list of people in order to ask for something, usually information. For example, "I'm going to call around to see if anyone is interested in the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Why don't I call around?" "That's the idea.

The New Yorker

"I'm just going to call around," she continued.

The New York Times

The charge nurse will call around to other staff members, trying to find last-minute replacements.

The New York Times

Peter Jennings, my high school's college counselor, kindly offers to call around for me.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But now they can call around and know what the prices are.

The Guardian

As you call around and ask for quotes, be sure to ask the freight forwarders about their experience with cars.

The New York Times

"United States, I don't know what to tell you, not working – call around, see if I'm not right.

The New York Times

Each season, umps call around 4,200 pitches behind the plate.

TechCrunch

Before you'd have to call around blindly asking how long the wait was.

TechCrunch

I use the Yellow Pages and call around for quotes.

Los Angeles Times

I call around to a few compassion clubs in Toronto.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "call around" to find the best price, specify what you are looking for. For example, "Call around to find the lowest rate for car insurance" is more effective than simply saying "Call around for prices".

Common error

Avoid using "call around" without specifying who or what you are calling about. Saying "I'll call around" can be vague; instead, clarify: "I'll call around to local stores to check their hours".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "call around" is as a phrasal verb. It describes the action of contacting several different people or places, usually by phone, to ask for something or get information. Ludwig's examples clearly show this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

30%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "call around" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe contacting multiple sources, typically by phone, to obtain information or assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, primarily within News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally informal, it's important to provide context regarding the purpose of calling. Consider more formal alternatives like "contact several people" in professional settings. Remember to specify the objective of your search to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contact several people

More formal and emphasizes the act of making contact.

check with multiple sources

Focuses on verifying information from different places.

get in touch with various people

Similar, but slightly more personal and less direct.

shop around

Specifically refers to comparing prices or services from different vendors.

make inquiries

A more formal way of asking around.

reach out to different individuals

Emphasizes the act of extending communication efforts to various people.

canvass opinions

Specifically refers to seeking opinions from a wide range of people.

poll different entities

Implies a systematic collection of data from different organizations or groups.

put out feelers

An idiomatic expression suggesting a more subtle and indirect approach to gathering information.

make multiple calls

Simplifies the action to the basic act of placing several phone calls.

FAQs

How can I use "call around" in a sentence?

You can use "call around" to describe the action of contacting multiple places or people to gather information, compare prices, or seek assistance. For example, "I need to call around to different dealerships to find the best deal on a new car."

What does "call around" mean?

"Call around" means to contact several different people or places, usually by phone, to ask for something or get information.

What are some alternatives to "call around"?

Alternatives to "call around" include "contact several people", "check with multiple sources", or "shop around" depending on the specific context.

Is "call around" formal or informal?

"Call around" is generally considered informal. In a formal setting, consider using phrases like "contact various sources" or "make inquiries".