meandering around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meandering around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a wandering or aimless movement, either physically or metaphorically, such as in conversation or thought. Example: "During our hike, we found ourselves meandering around the trails, enjoying the scenery without a specific destination in mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

But, meandering around, we made the most stupendously wonderful unlikely discovery in the history of travel.

Independent

Notice Peter gets ansy a little way into his camera time and starts meandering around looking at girls.

TechCrunch

While companies like Google can capture the intent of a user directly searching for a product, Pinterest also taps into moments where potential customers are just meandering around and might stumble onto a product they may later buy.

TechCrunch

I love seeing the owner meandering around, saying hello to regulars.

HuffPost

This is Sunday, so a lot of people are meandering around, looking for the human interaction we simply cannot find with social media, you know?

Huffington Post

9 mins:More Aussie meandering around the halfway line.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Long Island pharmacists talk of the twitchy arrivals who meander around, peering at the ceiling.

The New York Times

I meander around, stepping into RVs with names like Raptor, Cougar and Cyclone.

The Washington Post

"He hadn't worked out how to write middle eights and the compositions would meander around and come to a close.

Independent

Robe-wearing monks meander around, in front of cartoon drawings and figures of Xian'er, the "Worthy Stupid Robot Monk".

TechCrunch

Even the river Nkam which meanders around and then across the village of Santchou did not yield enough amount of An. nili as presumed from observations in South-Cameroon [ 37], probably due to absence of forest ecosystem.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more precise verb could better capture the specific type of movement. For instance, use "strolling" if the pace is leisurely or "drifting" if there is a sense of being passively carried along.

Common error

Avoid using "meandering around" as a default description for movement when a more descriptive verb would provide a clearer picture. Be specific about how and why the movement is happening.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meandering around" functions primarily as a phrasal verb used to describe a specific type of movement. It typically modifies another verb, adding detail about the manner in which the action is performed. Ludwig's examples confirm its function in expressing non-direct, often pleasurable movement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "meandering around" is a grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe a winding, aimless, or leisurely movement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While synonyms such as "wandering aimlessly" and "roaming about" can be used, they may subtly alter the nuance. When writing, ensure that the term aligns with the desired sense of undirected exploration, as overuse or imprecise application may lead to vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meandering through

Specifies the environment or area that is being wandered through.

wandering aimlessly

Emphasizes the lack of direction or purpose in the movement.

roaming about

Suggests a casual and undirected exploration of an area.

strolling leisurely

Implies a relaxed and unhurried pace while moving.

drifting along

Conveys a sense of being carried by circumstances or external forces.

sauntering about

Indicates a slow and unconcerned manner of walking.

perambulating

A more formal term for walking or travelling about, often without a specific goal.

circuiting

Implies moving around a particular space or route.

idling around

Suggests spending time in a place without doing anything in particular.

cruising along

Implies moving smoothly and without effort, often in a vehicle.

FAQs

What does "meandering around" mean?

"Meandering around" means wandering or moving in a winding or aimless fashion. It suggests a lack of directness or purpose in the movement.

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

You can use "meandering around" to describe physical movement, such as "We enjoyed "meandering around" the park", or to describe a less direct approach, such as "The conversation ended up "meandering around" before reaching a conclusion".

What can I say instead of "meandering around"?

You can use alternatives like "wandering aimlessly", "roaming about", or "strolling leisurely" depending on the context.

Is "meandering around" formal or informal?

"Meandering around" is generally considered to be informal to neutral. While acceptable in many contexts, it might be better to use a more formal term like "perambulating" in highly formal writing.