cruising around

USAGE SUMMARY

"cruising around" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe leisurely traveling or moving about, often in a vehicle. Example: "We spent the afternoon cruising around the city, enjoying the sights." Alternative expressions include "driving around," "wandering around," and "roaming around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are just cruising around on their skateboards".

The New York Times

"After going through this, just jumping on a snowboard and cruising around is enough for me.

The New York Times - Sports

When I'm cruising around, I like to plug myself in and get myself going.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's sort of a laugh but cruising around in it is sort of neat," he said.

The New York Times

Manhattan streets are full of cars cruising around, looking for cheaper on-street parking, rather than pulling into a lot.

The New York Times

"I thought I'd be scared," she said, "but there's a real ease and calmness about them cruising around".

The New York Times - Travel

As he was cruising around, he ran into some HiFi execs in-world and introduced himself.

Johns Hopkins University

"There was always someone in the way, either cruising around or backing off in the middle of the corner".

BBC

Is his younger self cruising around somewhere?

Huffington Post

This is John Tubula cruising around on his motorbike.

Huffington Post

Royal Caribbean turned that early style of cruising around by building the world's most innovative ships".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cruising around", consider the specific mode of transport or activity to ensure clarity. For instance, specify "cruising around town on a bike" or "cruising around the internet".

Common error

Don't just say "I was cruising around". Always specify where you were "cruising around" for better understanding. Saying "I was cruising around the park" or "I was cruising around downtown" provides clearer context.

Linguistic Context

Gerund Phrase: "Cruising around" typically functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig shows, it describes an action or state of being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

21%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cruising around" is a common and correct gerund phrase used to describe moving about in a relaxed and leisurely manner. As Ludwig confirms, its most frequent use is in news and media, with an informal register. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying the location or activity involved. Consider alternatives like "driving around" or "wandering about" for specific contexts. Although very common, it's important to keep register in mind, and replace it with more formal alternatives for professional and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driving around

Focuses specifically on movement using a car or other vehicle.

wandering about

Suggests walking without a specific destination.

roaming around

Implies a broader, less structured exploration of an area.

meandering through

Describes a winding and leisurely path.

drifting along

Conveys a sense of passivity and lack of control in movement.

exploring casually

Highlights the act of discovery without a rigid plan.

sailing around

Similar, but applicable when navigating by water.

riding around

Emphasizes using a bicycle, motorcycle, or other riding-based method.

touring gently

More formal, suggesting a structured but relaxed visit.

perusing the area

Indicates a careful or detailed examination while moving slowly.

FAQs

What does "cruising around" mean?

"Cruising around" generally means traveling or moving in a relaxed and leisurely way, often without a specific destination in mind. It can refer to various modes of transportation or even browsing online.

What can I say instead of "cruising around"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "driving around", "wandering about", or "roaming around".

Is "cruising around" formal or informal?

"Cruising around" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "exploring leisurely" or "touring gently".

How to use "cruising around" in a sentence?

You can use "cruising around" to describe leisurely travel, such as "We spent the afternoon cruising around the city" or "He enjoys cruising around on his motorcycle".