dash about

USAGE SUMMARY

"dash about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone moving quickly and energetically from one place to another. Example: The children were full of energy and excitement, dashing about the playground with reckless abandon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

In the background, several empty parking spaces over, a cluster of children giggle and dash about during a summer holiday workshop.

The Guardian - Music

Its waitresses are unionized, and, as they dash about and serve customers during the busy lunch hour — under the wary eye of a supervisor — they pass the word about a union meeting that night at which they're preparing to call a strike.

The New Yorker

The species' name refers to the way the little creatures dash about, frequently changing direction with apparently aimless abandon.

BBC

Do children and students dash about pushing and shoving each other?

The Guardian

Beware sentences – such as this one – that dash about all over the place – commas (or even, very occasionally, brackets) are often better; semicolons also have their uses.

The Guardian

After a 180-minute separation, however, most mothers would dash about emitting panicky squeaks, often stomping on the pups or ignoring them.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Elsewhere, servants dashed about under the chandeliers.

The New York Times

They dashed about 20 metres and took cover.

The Guardian

At other times he dashes about, grabbing gulps of water from multiple bottles.

The New York Times

When it gamely bumbled around bulky pieces of furniture, I dashed about, too, lifting the obstacles out of its way.

The New York Times

In his office, Mr. Sanford dashed about, chatting with his sons — the older two had come to Washington for the occasion — and making introductions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dash about" when you want to convey a sense of hurried, energetic, and often somewhat aimless movement from one place to another.

Common error

Avoid using "dash about" in formal or academic writing, as it can sound too informal. Opt for more precise verbs like 'hurry', 'rush', or 'expedite' to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dash about" functions as a phrasal verb, describing a type of movement. It often modifies a subject by indicating how they move. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

16%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dash about" is a phrasal verb used to describe moving quickly and energetically, often without a specific direction or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it's commonly found in news and media, and Wiki sources, it’s less frequent in formal or academic writing. Consider using more precise verbs in such contexts. Related alternatives include "run around", "hurry about", and "dart around" to refine the meaning or formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Run around

Describes a basic act of moving quickly on foot; "dash about" indicates greater haste or urgency.

Dart around

Suggests a sudden and rapid movement, highlighting the speed and directness unlike the more broad "dash about".

Scamper around

Implies a playful and lighthearted quick movement, differing from the more general action of "dash about".

Rush around

Indicates a frantic and hurried movement, highlighting a sense of being overwhelmed, in contrast to "dash about".

Speed around

Indicates moving rapidly, emphasizing velocity more than undirected movement that "dash about" suggests.

Hurry about

Emphasizes the urgency and haste in one's movements, focusing on purpose more than simply "dash about".

Fly about

Suggests moving quickly and freely, often without a specific destination, adding a sense of freedom beyond just "dash about".

Scuttle around

Suggests moving quickly and furtively, often in a confined space, adding a sense of secrecy not present in "dash about".

Zoom around

Implies very high speed and efficiency, signifying more than just movement like "dash about".

Whiz around

Similar to zoom, indicating a swift and almost effortless movement, different from simply "dash about".

FAQs

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

You can use "dash about" to describe someone moving quickly and energetically. For example, "The children dashed about the playground."

What can I say instead of "dash about"?

Alternatives include "run around", "hurry about", or "dart around", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct: "dash about" or "dashing about"?

Both "dash about" and "dashing about" are correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Dash about" is the base form, while "dashing about" is the present participle, used in continuous tenses (e.g., "They were dashing about").

What does "dash about" imply?

"Dash about" typically implies quick, energetic, and somewhat undirected movement. It suggests a lack of specific purpose or organization in the movement.