prowling around

USAGE SUMMARY

"prowling around" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone or something moving stealthily or searching for something, often in a predatory or curious manner. Example: The cat was prowling around the garden, looking for mice. Alternative expressions include "roaming about" and "wandering around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"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

Augustus is playful and curious and delightfully feline: prowling around on the hunt for his missing smile.

The Guardian

There is a black cat prowling around, which has Reeves worried, because, as he explains, this is no ordinary cat: "This is a witch transformed into a cat".

The New Yorker

Can I see a show of hands on how many would prefer that there not be folks prowling around with loaded guns on their person?

The New York Times

An investor willing to do his homework can profit by prowling around in these sectors: • Wireless handsets.

Forbes

Saving that amount took nine days of prowling around, grabbing literally everything I could that could earn me a few coins.

Vice

No matter how hospitable your yard otherwise seems, having a cat prowling around will keep many species from feeling welcome.

WikiHow

The third keeps dancing, prowling around the outlined space.

Independent

The dogcatcher has been prowling around the last few weeks.

The New York Times

The next day we saw them prowling around the airstrip.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prowling around" to vividly describe movement that is either exploratory or potentially threatening, suggesting a deliberate and focused search.

Common error

Avoid using "prowling around" when the movement is purely accidental or lacks intention. The phrase implies a specific objective, whether for hunting, searching, or observing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prowling around" functions as a compound verb, describing a manner of movement. It suggests a deliberate, often stealthy, way of moving within a specific area, typically with a searching or exploratory intent. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across a range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prowling around" is a compound verb phrase indicating deliberate and focused movement, often with a searching or exploratory intent. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's grammatically correct and acceptable across various sources, primarily in News & Media. While not overly formal, its usage suggests a specific purpose, making it distinct from aimless wandering. When using this phrase, consider the intended nuance of focused exploration or potential threat. Alternative options include "lurking about" or "roaming around", depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lurking about

Implies a hidden or secretive presence, often with negative connotations.

roaming around

Indicates a more casual and less focused movement within an area.

sneaking around

Implies moving stealthily and secretly, often with a mischievous intent.

scouting about

Implies searching or exploring an area, often for specific information or resources.

stalking the grounds

Implies a predatory movement, carefully following a target.

wandering aimlessly

Suggests a lack of specific direction or purpose in the movement.

patrolling the area

Suggests a systematic movement for security or surveillance purposes.

exploring the vicinity

Suggests a deliberate effort to discover and learn about a surrounding area.

cruising around

Indicates moving leisurely, often in a vehicle, and observing the surroundings.

rambling about

Indicates a leisurely walk without a specific destination.

FAQs

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

You can use "prowling around" to describe someone or something moving stealthily or searching for something. For example, "The cat was "prowling around" the garden, looking for mice."

What are some alternatives to "prowling around"?

Alternatives include "lurking about", "roaming around", or "sneaking around", depending on the specific context and intended nuance.

Is "prowling around" formal or informal?

"Prowling around" is generally considered informal, suitable for casual conversation or descriptive writing. More formal alternatives might include "patrolling" or "surveying" depending on the specific action.

What's the difference between "prowling around" and "wandering aimlessly"?

"Prowling around" suggests a purpose, even if not immediately obvious, while "wandering aimlessly" implies a lack of direction or intent. The former conveys a sense of focused exploration or potential threat, while the latter suggests a more casual and undirected movement.