dashed about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dashed about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone moving quickly or energetically in various directions, often in a somewhat chaotic manner. Example: "The children dashed about the playground, laughing and playing tag."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Elsewhere, servants dashed about under the chandeliers.

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

I moaned, I dashed about, I deliriously beseeched their indulgence, but the angels trod ever forward, oblivious of me, their chiselled faces turned upward.

The New Yorker

In a supermarket parking lot, Mr. Romney dashed about for hours introducing himself to voters, few of whom knew who he was.

The New York Times

Catherine Green dashed about in a bright red tutu in Ms. Brenner's new "Tryptich," while Chris Dohse regarded her histrionics in a cool, deadpan manner.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Speaking by cellphone from a dog park in Alamo, Calif., where his border collie, Taggert, was dashing about, Beane speculated about what could happen if he was not aggressive.

The New York Times

As well as large mammals dashing about, the Hong Kong Jockey Club puts on a feng shui display in the forecourt and a variety show in the parade ring, featuring dragon and lion dances, and live appearances by TV personalities.

The Guardian - Travel

The girl dashes about, trying to toss some of them back into the water, but her mother declares that there are so many her actions won't matter.

Huffington Post

He neither looked at the planes nor at the men dashing about, but they saw him, and those moving towards shelter stopped, and many of those who had gained shelter returned to their duties.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dashed about" to vividly describe quick and somewhat chaotic movement in various directions. It adds a sense of energy and dynamism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "dashed about" in highly formal or academic writing; opt for more neutral terms like "moved quickly" or "circulated". It's suitable for news, creative writing, and informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "dashed about" primarily functions as a description of movement. It vividly portrays someone or something moving quickly and energetically in various directions, often implying a sense of activity or even chaos. Ludwig AI confirms this with its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "dashed about" effectively conveys quick and energetic movement in various directions. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While appropriate for general writing and conversation, it might be less suitable for formal or academic contexts where more precise language is preferred. Alternatives such as "raced around" or "darted about" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Using "dashed about" adds vibrancy and dynamism to descriptions, painting a vivid picture for the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

darted about

Highlights sudden, rapid movements in different directions.

raced around

Emphasizes speed and circular movement more directly than "dashed about".

zipped around

Implies very fast and efficient movement from place to place.

whizzed around

Similar to "zipped around", but suggests an even greater speed and energy.

hurried around

Implies a sense of urgency and less spontaneity compared to "dashed about".

rushed around

Focuses on the hurried and possibly disorganized nature of the movement.

bustled about

Suggests busy, energetic activity, often in a crowded environment.

scurried around

Indicates quick, hurried movement, often with small steps and a sense of nervousness.

flitted around

Describes light, quick movement, often in an erratic or aimless way.

galloped around

Suggests quick, bounding steps, often used for animals or playful movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "dashed about" to describe someone or something moving quickly and energetically in various directions. For instance, "The children "dashed about" the playground."

What can I say instead of "dashed about"?

Alternatives include "raced around", "hurried around", or "darted about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "dashed about" or "dashed around"?

"Dashed about" and "dashed around" are both correct and interchangeable, though "dashed about" might slightly emphasize movement in various directions, while "dashed around" focuses on circular or general movement.

What's the difference between "dashed about" and "bustled about"?

"Dashed about" implies quick, energetic movement, while "bustled about" suggests busy, energetic activity, often in a crowded environment. "Bustled about" often implies a sense of purpose or business.