hop around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hop around" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or animal jumping from one place or thing to another or moving around quickly or restlessly. For example, "The children hopped around the playground in excitement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We would hop around on a tour.

The New York Times - Travel

"Maybe give him a chance to hop around on the ground and die on his own".

The New Yorker

Unlike many in the busi ness, Mr. MacLennan doesn't hop around much.

The New York Times

As these chunks of viral DNA hop around, they can cause a lot of harm.

The New York Times - Science

"I spent 10 minutes watching it hop around in the mud..

The New Yorker

Fat robins hop around and warblers sing from the branches of an ancient mulberry tree.

The New York Times - Arts

If you plan to hop around, a rental car is the way to go.

The New York Times - Travel

And disabled children like Sot Tol -- seven of them -- hop around on their crutches.

The New York Times

"I spent 10 minutes watching it hop around in the mud... erecting its crest in its full glory," he wrote.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

There's been a lot of triumphal, fanfaring rock and hip-hop around.

The New York Times - Arts

Not least its proximity to a bus stop from where you can beach-hop around the island's black sand coves.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hop around" to describe quick, light movements or transitions between different locations or topics. It can add a sense of energy or playfulness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hop around" in highly formal or professional writing where a more precise or serious term would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "move between" or "transition to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hop around" primarily functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating a type of movement. It describes the action of moving quickly and lightly from one place to another, as shown by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hop around" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe quick, light, and often playful movement from one place to another. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While suitable for informal and general contexts, it may be less appropriate in formal or professional settings where greater precision is required. Examples show its usage in news, wiki, and science-related content. Consider related phrases like "move about" or "wander around" for similar meanings with subtle differences in connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move about

Focuses on the general action of moving without specifying the manner.

jump around

Implies a series of jumps instead of general movement.

flit about

Suggests quick and light movement, often aimless.

skip around

Emphasizes a light, playful manner of movement.

rove around

Implies wandering or traveling without a fixed destination.

travel around

Focuses on the act of journeying to different places.

wander around

Suggests a leisurely and aimless way of moving.

bounce around

Implies energetic and possibly erratic movement.

shift around

Indicates subtle changes in position or location.

circulate

Suggests widespread movement within a specific area or group.

FAQs

How can I use "hop around" in a sentence?

You can use "hop around" to describe someone or something moving quickly and lightly from place to place. For example, "The children "hopped around" the playground."

What are some alternatives to saying "hop around"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "move about", "jump around", or "wander around".

Is it appropriate to use "hop around" in formal writing?

While "hop around" is generally acceptable, it might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "move between" or "transition to".

What does "hop around" imply about the movement?

"Hop around" suggests quick, light, and sometimes playful movement. It implies a less structured or serious manner of moving compared to terms like "travel" or "proceed".