move about

USAGE SUMMARY

"move about" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It means to shift the direction of your movements, or to move from one place to another. For example, "The children moved about the playground, exploring their surroundings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They move about, from here to there.

The New Yorker

They still move about stylistically.

The New York Times - Arts

These creatures don't move about as adults.

The New York Times - Science

The groupings are starting to move about".

The Guardian

Female silhouettes move about as if dancing in a ballet.

The New York Times - Arts

"I move about like an ordinary person — that's my style.

The New York Times

Musicians with portable instruments are instructed to move about freely.

The New Yorker

In roughly half the city, rebels move about openly.

The New York Times

And people might move about in "golf buggy" taxis.

The Guardian

But as you move about, the colours change and merge.

The Guardian - Arts

They could move about, expand their horizons.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move about" to describe general movement from place to place, especially when the specific direction or destination is not important.

Common error

While "move about" is versatile, using more precise verbs like "walk", "run", or "travel" can enhance clarity and create a more vivid image for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move about" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, describing the act of changing position or location. As Ludwig indicates, it's a perfectly acceptable phrase, as shown in the Ludwig examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "move about" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of changing position or location. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and common usage across various contexts. While widely applicable, consider using more specific verbs when greater precision is needed. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science, indicating its general applicability in both formal and informal settings. Related phrases like "travel around" or "roam around" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts with slightly different nuances. Remember to use "move about" to describe general movement, and avoid it when a more specific verb better captures the intended action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

travel around

Emphasizes the act of journeying or exploring different places.

roam around

Suggests a more leisurely or aimless form of movement.

circulate

Implies movement within a specific area or group.

get around

Focuses on the ability to navigate or overcome obstacles in moving.

wander

Indicates moving without a specific destination or purpose.

go to and fro

Describes movement back and forth between two points.

shift position

Highlights changing one's physical stance or location slightly.

change location

Simply refers to altering the place where one is situated.

displace oneself

Implies a conscious decision or effort to relocate.

relocate

Describes moving to a new place, often permanently or for a significant period.

FAQs

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

You can use "move about" to describe the act of changing location or position. For example, "The dancers moved about the stage gracefully."

What's a simple alternative to "move about"?

Alternatives include "travel around", "roam around", or simply "circulate", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "move about freely"?

Yes, "move about freely" is a common and correct expression, indicating the ability to move without restrictions.

When should I choose "wander" over "move about"?

Use "wander" when you want to emphasize aimless or directionless movement, whereas "move about" is a more general term for changing location. For instance, use "wander" in the sentence "I like to wander around the garden".