perambulation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perambulation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the act of walking or traveling through a place, often for the purpose of inspection or surveying. Example: "The park ranger conducted a perambulation of the trails to ensure they were safe for visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Her literary perambulation encompasses ovine love life (the block of wax crayon attached to rams in order to denote which ewes have been tupped is called a "ruddle"), bracken ("an ancient enemy… colonises land at hideous speed") and Thomas Hardy's self-designed house in Dorchester ("staggeringly ugly").

Independent

Speakers of English are rightfully proud of the vast size and variety of words in the language, she told The Independent, adding: "We have hundreds of words meaning 'drunk' – including 'nimptopsical' and 'swipey' – adjectives for every possible kind of shape, and verbs for every form of perambulation.

Independent

"It was obviously huge," Bairstow said of his perambulation to the middle after the Cape Town match was concluded to secure a couple of stumps.

Independent

We have hundreds of words meaning "drunk" (including "nimptopsical" and "swipey"); adjectives for every possible kind of shape (such as "scutiform", meaning "shield-shaped", and "glandarious", for acorn-shaped things); and verbs for every form of perambulation ("daddle", "to walk unsteadily"; "langle", "to saunter slowly").

Independent

As it happens, he's just returned from Japan himself — his first visit, the highlight of which was a daily perambulation through Tsukiji, Tokyo's wholesale fish market ("like walking inside an aquarium").

The New Yorker

If indeed the act of writing offers ailing authors a hand up the social ladder and an alternative mode of perambulation when down for the count, Richard's religious calling made me wonder if perhaps his more agonizing pain called for a more potent laceration than the written word, a corked room, or a surgeon's knife could convey; namely, the need to be, as he puts it, "slain in the Spirit".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

So far the results of his perambulations have been mixed:I like best their cardiescharcoal or moss greenbut today I'm wearing this onetransparent with the whole world the other side.Listen.Listen

The Economist

The novel moves between Stephen's and Bloom's perambulations around the city, relaying their thoughts of fantasy, fear, and the everyday through its stream-of-consciousness narrative technique.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He's not alone in his post-mortem perambulations either – in another example of Who's habit of melding disparate styles he's joined in his undead rampage by what looks like an Edwardian undertaker with gigantic muttonchops.

Independent

At another point, Lieber, Nishimura, and Voss waited patiently for Omagbemi to finish her perambulations, as though they would then embark on some adventure together, but when she approached them the opportunity vanished.

The New Yorker

The narrative's perambulations are similarly erratic, with bursts of action giving way to longueurs, and the first half of the book reads like a shaggy-dog story, hobbled by a distracting murder subplot.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perambulation" to add a touch of formality or to emphasize the act of surveying or inspecting a location while walking.

Common error

Avoid using "perambulation" in casual conversation or informal writing; opt for simpler alternatives like "walk", "stroll", or "tour" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "perambulation" is as a noun. It refers to the act of walking or traveling, often with a specific purpose like surveying or exploring. Ludwig shows examples in literary and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perambulation" is a grammatically correct noun that refers to the act of walking or traveling through a place, often for surveying or exploring. Ludwig shows that it's more common in formal contexts like news and media, and encyclopedias, but less so in casual conversation. While alternatives like "walk", "tour", and "stroll" exist, "perambulation" adds a touch of formality and emphasizes the act of careful observation. Use it judiciously to maintain the appropriate tone for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambulation

A more formal and medical term for walking, often used in the context of physical therapy or recovery.

walking tour

This term refers to a guided or planned exploration of an area on foot, often with a specific focus or theme.

stroll

A casual and leisurely walk taken for pleasure or relaxation, implying a less structured approach than "perambulation".

tour

Indicates a structured visit to a place or area, often with a guide or specific purpose, differing from the potentially aimless nature of "perambulation".

promenade

This suggests a more formal and deliberate walk, often in a public space, emphasizing the act of being seen.

saunter

A slow and relaxed way of walking, often without a specific destination, highlighting the lack of urgency.

roaming

This implies wandering freely and without a fixed route, suggesting a broader area of exploration.

exploration

Focuses on the act of discovering and learning about a place, rather than just the act of walking through it.

traverse

This suggests crossing or passing through an area, often implying a challenge or obstacle.

circuit

This emphasizes a circular route or a repeated pattern of movement, suggesting a defined path.

FAQs

How can I use "perambulation" in a sentence?

You can use "perambulation" to describe the act of walking or traveling through a place, especially for surveying or exploring. For example: "The annual "perambulation" of the parish boundaries is a long-standing tradition."

What are some alternatives to "perambulation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "walk", "tour", "stroll", or "exploration".

Is "perambulation" a formal word?

Yes, "perambulation" is generally considered a formal word, often used in legal, historical, or literary contexts. Simpler terms like "walk" or "tour" are more appropriate for everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "perambulation" and "ambulation"?

"Perambulation" refers to walking or traveling through a place, often for inspection or surveying. "Ambulation", on the other hand, is a more general and often medical term for the act of walking.