prowl around

USAGE SUMMARY

"prowl around" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to move around quietly and secretly, often in search of something or someone. Here is an example of how you can use it in a sentence: After the break-in occurred, the neighborhood watch group decided to prowl around the area at night to catch the perpetrator.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

He'd prowl around in a tow truck, armed with paper orders and a map, just praying the target vehicle was parked where it was supposed to be.

The Washington Post

Prowl around, walking very slowly and making careful steps.

WikiHow

"Tigers prowl around the Princeton campus". Web story and photo essay.

Princeton University

"I prowl around to make sure people keep working for good," she said.

The New York Times

If I need something I buy it, but I don't prowl around looking for things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Few people know where it is, so you have to prowl around a bit.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

As the choric figure Paulina, Zenaida Yanowsky prowls around and cajoles them with sinewy authority.

The Economist

"I've seen him at night, out prowling around," he said.

The New York Times

Improbably, the skies had cleared and by midafternoon we were prowling around near Sag Harbor.

The New York Times - Sports

Rather like an egret on a mudflat, he prowls around on his long legs with a sort of startled stillness.

The New Yorker

The difference is that Rosenthal, the former political director of the AFL-CIO, is already prowling around out there.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prowl around" to describe a secretive or purposeful search. It often implies a predator-prey dynamic or a hidden agenda.

Common error

Avoid using "prowl around" when the movement is casual or without a specific aim. Opt for words like "wander" or "stroll" instead.

Linguistic Context

Prowl around functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a specific type of movement. It combines the verb "prowl", meaning to move stealthily, with the adverb "around", suggesting movement within an area. Ludwig examples show it describing both animals and people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prowl around" is a phrasal verb signifying a stealthy, purposeful movement within an area, often associated with searching or hunting. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across varied contexts, especially in news and media. While it's considered a common phrase, ensure its connotation aligns with the intended meaning, avoiding its usage for casual movements. Consider alternatives such as "sneak about" or "lurk about" for nuanced expression. Its versatility makes it valuable for descriptive writing, and being mindful of register ensures its accurate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stalk around

Implies hunting or pursuing someone or something quietly.

creep around

Emphasizes slow, cautious movement, often due to fear or secrecy.

sneak about

Implies stealth and secrecy in movement, more focused on avoiding detection.

lurk about

Suggests waiting in a hidden place, often with malicious intent.

wander stealthily

Highlights the quiet and careful nature of the movement.

rove around

Emphasizes aimless wandering over a wide area.

cruise about

Suggests leisurely movement, often in a vehicle.

patrol the area

Focuses on guarding or surveying a specific region.

range freely

Describes unrestricted movement within a given space.

meander through

Suggests a winding, indirect path of movement.

FAQs

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

"Prowl around" is typically used to describe moving stealthily or purposefully in search of something. For example, "The cat likes to "prowl around" the garden at night, hunting for mice."

What does "prowl around" imply about the subject's behavior?

It suggests the subject is moving with stealth and intent, often in search of something or someone, potentially with a predatory or secretive motive.

What's the difference between "prowl around" and "wander around"?

"Prowl around" implies a focused, often secretive search, while "wander around" suggests aimless or casual movement without a specific purpose.

Are there situations where it's inappropriate to use "prowl around"?

Yes, it may be inappropriate when describing harmless or innocent activities, as the phrase carries a connotation of stealth and potential threat. Using "look around" or "walk around" would be more suitable in such cases.