mulling about

USAGE SUMMARY

"mulling about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe the action of either thinking deeply about something or aimlessly wandering around. For example: After a long day at work, I went home and spent some time mulling about what I had just accomplished.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

There were a lot of people mulling about.

Yale University

"I didn't do much mulling about it," Mr. Moore said.

The New York Times

Adelson's huge promise of support for Trump capped months of mulling about who to back by the often mercurial Las Vegas billionaire, whose net worth is pegged at $26bn, and was something of a political calculus.

The Guardian

So would hiring a Justin Trudeau impersonator there are probably hundreds of them mulling about the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

Vice

There are also all kinds of online communities; just about every major social networking site (such as MySpace ) that includes groups or forums has at least a few pinheads mulling about.

WikiHow

Mr. Trump, who is famously fickle, appears to have soured on additional members of his senior leadership team — and his frequent mulling about making changes has some people around him convinced that he could act soon.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

One day, in the magical land of Hanamandoo, a haven where square and round "Zairs" reside and mull about in pairs (one round, one square), the inhabitants turn heads when two square Zairs pair for the first time.

Huffington Post

Employees mulled about the room nervously waiting for their department director to show up.

Forbes

Defending world champion Irina Slutskaya of Russia withdrew to be with her ailing mother, and Olympic gold medalist Hughes is mulling decisions about college and competitive skating while she rebounds from an early-season leg injury.

Los Angeles Times

I've been mulling that question for about a year now, but it always seemed theoretical.

The Guardian - Opinion

There has been much mulling within the command about the lessons of that episode, I was told during my visit.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mulling about" to describe situations where someone is both thinking deeply and moving around without a specific destination. This conveys a sense of contemplation combined with physical action.

Common error

Avoid using "mulling about" solely to describe physical movement without the element of thought or consideration. If there's no mental processing involved, simpler terms like "wandering" or "roaming" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mulling about" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, combining the action of thinking deeply (mulling) with aimless movement (about). It describes a state of contemplative wandering. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes the action of thinking deeply about something or aimlessly wandering around.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mulling about" is a phrasal verb that effectively combines the ideas of thoughtful consideration and aimless wandering. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and conveys a specific blend of mental and physical activity. While not as common as simpler terms like "thinking" or "walking", "mulling about" provides a unique descriptive power when both elements are present. Its usage is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and academic settings. Remembering the combination of physical and mental action is key to using this phrase correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pondering

Focuses solely on the thinking aspect, omitting the sense of physical movement.

contemplating

Similar to pondering, but suggests a more formal or serious consideration.

considering

Implies a more practical evaluation of options or possibilities.

thinking over

A more general term for reflection, lacking the nuance of aimless movement.

reflecting on

Focuses on past events or experiences, rather than present choices.

wandering aimlessly

Emphasizes the physical movement without the necessary element of thought or consideration.

roaming idly

Similar to wandering aimlessly, but suggests a more relaxed or leisurely pace.

drifting around

Highlights the lack of direction, potentially without any conscious thought.

sauntering

Implies a slow, leisurely walk, often with a sense of enjoyment or relaxation.

ambling

Similar to sauntering, emphasizing a relaxed and unhurried pace.

FAQs

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

You can use "mulling about" to describe someone who is both thinking deeply and wandering around. For example, "After the meeting, she was found "mulling about" the garden, deep in thought".

What's the difference between "mulling about" and simply "thinking"?

"Mulling about" implies not only thinking but also physical movement, often aimlessly. "Thinking" only refers to the mental process. If you are wandering and thinking, then use ""mulling about"".

What are some alternatives to "mulling about" that emphasize contemplation?

Alternatives that emphasize contemplation include "pondering", "contemplating", or "reflecting on". These options focus on deep thought without the element of physical movement.

Is "mulling about" formal or informal?

"Mulling about" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts, though it might be less common in highly formal or professional settings. It's suitable for news articles, academic writing, and general conversation.