he hurried about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he hurried about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone moving quickly or busily from one place to another, often in a somewhat chaotic or frantic manner. Example: "As the deadline approached, he hurried about the office, trying to finish all his tasks on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Afghanistan since the collapse of the Taliban has made many an ordinary event seem extraordinary, and few more so than the task that had Dr. Aziz Ahmad Rahmand, a professor of contemporary Afghan history, bursting with pride, joy and not a little gloating as he hurried about Kabul University one day this week.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As he hurries about, Saul, however, doesn't react.

Los Angeles Times

At the assembly headquarters today, volunteers wearing "Vote No T-shirtss hurried about, unpacking fliers and handbills and scrambling to assemble teams to monitor polling stations.

The New York Times

The housemaids hurried about, gathering up the bloodied sheets and also the afterbirth, which they took down to the kitchen and stuffed into the coal fire.

The New Yorker

Asked about immigration, he hurried through the assurances required by the current perfervid mood among Republicans — seal the border, no amnesty — to add, "People who come to this country would rather come here legally if they had the choice.

The New Yorker

Asked about immigration, he hurried through the assurances required by the current perfervid mood among Republicans seal the border, no amnesty to add, "People who come to this country would rather come here legally if they had the choice.

The New Yorker

When he heard about the discovery, he hurried down to the wet lab for a look.

The New Yorker

Men with clipboards hurried about grimly, full of warlike self-importance.

The Guardian

They hurried about in silence, and the whole place — the machines, the floors, the windows — seemed to sparkle with cleanliness.

The New Yorker

"There is a rule book, and if you don't follow the rule book, people will take offense to it". As the diners chatted, Mora hurried about her restaurant.

Los Angeles Times

At auditions and rehearsals for a show he is a brisk figure hurrying about the dim auditorium, or, with an arm around someone's shoulders for support, climbing the short flight of rehearsal stairs onto the stage.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he hurried about" to depict a scene where a character is moving quickly and busily, often with a sense of urgency or preoccupation. It's particularly effective for conveying a sense of atmosphere or highlighting the character's state of mind.

Common error

While "he hurried about" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "expedited", "rushed", or "proceeded swiftly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he hurried about" functions as a descriptive element, typically within a narrative. It portrays a character's activity and state of mind through their physical movements, indicating a sense of urgency or busyness. This is consistent with how Ludwig presents its usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he hurried about" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone moving quickly and busily. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable for use in written English. While considered neutral in register, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "he proceeded quickly" or "he moved expeditiously". Use "he hurried about" to add vividness and convey a sense of action or urgency to your writing. Remember to be mindful of the context and audience to choose the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he hurried around

Similar to the original phrase but replaces "about" with "around".

he rushed around

Suggests a more chaotic and less directed movement.

he bustled about

Implies energetic and purposeful activity, often in service to others.

he hastened about

A more formal way of saying he hurried about.

he bustled around

Implies energetic and often noisy activity, usually with a purpose.

he scurried around

Conveys a sense of frantic haste, perhaps driven by anxiety or urgency.

he dashed about

Suggests quick, short bursts of movement from one place to another.

he moved quickly

A more general description of rapid movement without the implication of busyness.

he sped around

Emphasizes the speed of movement.

he buzzed around

Suggests a light, quick, and possibly aimless movement, like an insect.

FAQs

How can I use "he hurried about" in a sentence?

Use "he hurried about" to show someone moving quickly and busily. For example, "As the guests arrived, "he hurried about" making sure everyone had a drink".

What are some alternatives to "he hurried about"?

You can use alternatives like "he rushed around", "he bustled about", or "he scurried around" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different image of the character's movements.

Is "he hurried about" formal or informal?

"He hurried about" is generally considered neutral in tone. While not strictly informal, it may not be the most precise choice for highly formal writing. Consider "he proceeded quickly" or "he moved expeditiously" in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "he hurried about" and "he rushed about"?

While similar, "he hurried about" suggests a busy, perhaps slightly frantic, movement with a purpose. "He rushed about", on the other hand, implies a more chaotic and less controlled sense of urgency. The choice depends on the specific image you want to create.