cavorting about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cavorting about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone moving around in a lively or playful manner, often in a carefree or boisterous way. Example: "The children were cavorting about in the park, laughing and playing games."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It actually appeared that there was a silly cartoon character cavorting about on TBS too … but it was Nyjer Morgan.

The New York Times

Groups of people cavorting about with weapons?

The New York Times - Arts

The fashion spreads have women cavorting about in gingham wrap dresses and cotton miniskirts.

The New York Times

In it, U. S. Grant, Robert E. Lee and Joshua Chamberlain are among the military virtuosos cavorting about its pages in great detail.

The New York Times - Books

Watching them cavorting about on TV (or, indeed, being bossed about by MBAs at your workplace) is a disastrous role model for the vulnerable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perhaps these two men had been cavorting about on a busy beach strutting their stuff in front of everyone, petting each other or even propositioning people?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Entremets in medieval France was something altogether different: an elaborate show in which singers, dancers and jugglers cavorted about in an effort to entertain diners impatient for the next parts of their meal.

The New York Times - Travel

Viewers in Glasgow and Merseyside may have wondered whether they needed to adjust their televisions as Italy cavorted about the pitch to celebrate their World Cup triumph.

The Guardian - Sport

They cavort about on unicycles, perform Bee Gees covers in Elvis costumes (on stilts!), and juggle, practising circus tricks in their back garden and climbing each other's shoulders to form a wobbling human tower.

The Guardian - Film

In fact, unless the Argentinian is revealed to cavort about on the sabbath wearing Lycra shorts and photographing interesting rock formations, it is hard to imagine how Allardyce's self-esteem could be more thoroughly dented.

The Guardian - Sport

With a so-called smartphone seemingly at every adult's fingertips, many parents are finding playtime to be the ideal time for answering e-mails, firing off text messages and browsing the Web - leaving their children to cavort about virtually unattended at playgrounds, pools and kiddie gyms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cavorting about" to describe movement that is both playful and somewhat unrestrained. It is well-suited for describing scenes in literature, theater, or real-life events involving joyous activity.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid using "cavorting about" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "moving" or "circulating" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Cavorting about functions as a verb phrase and adverb, describing a manner of movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It provides a vivid description of someone moving in a lively, playful, or unrestrained manner, often implying joy or exuberance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cavorting about" is a correct and usable phrase that describes lively and playful movement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in News & Media contexts, although it leans towards a neutral to informal register. While well-suited for descriptive writing, remember to consider the tone of your writing and replace it with alternatives like "frolicking around" or "prancing around" in more formal settings. Use it to paint an image of joyful, unrestrained activity, and avoid overuse in highly formal contexts to keep your writing appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frolicking around

Emphasizes playful and carefree movement, slightly more informal than "cavorting about".

prancing around

Suggests a high-spirited and showy way of moving, implying a sense of joy or pride.

romping around

Implies boisterous and energetic play, often used to describe children or animals.

skipping about

Conveys a light and joyful movement, suggesting happiness and enthusiasm.

larking about

Suggests playful behavior and a lack of seriousness, often implying harmless mischief.

gamboling around

Similar to frolicking, but slightly more archaic and literary, suggesting carefree leaping and jumping.

dancing around

Focuses on rhythmic movement, suggesting a joyful and expressive way of moving.

bounding about

Emphasizes energetic leaps and jumps, conveying a sense of vitality and enthusiasm.

playing around

Highlights the playful aspect of the movement, focusing on fun and enjoyment.

meandering around

Suggests a wandering and aimless movement, often used to describe a leisurely stroll.

FAQs

What does "cavorting about" mean?

The phrase "cavorting about" means moving around in a lively and playful manner. It often suggests carefree or boisterous behavior.

What can I say instead of "cavorting about"?

You can use alternatives like "frolicking around", "prancing around", or "romping around" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cavorting about" formal or informal?

The phrase "cavorting about" is generally considered to be somewhat informal. It's best suited for descriptive writing or less formal contexts, while a more formal equivalent may be needed for formal scenarios.

How do I use "cavorting about" in a sentence?

You can use "cavorting about" to describe people or animals moving playfully. For example, "The children were "frolicking around" in the park.".