race about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "race about" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to move or act quickly and often in a disorganized or frenzied manner. For example, "The children raced about in the garden, chasing each other in circles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Lifestyle

Opinion

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sunday's 193.6-kilometer 193.6-kilometer miles) included 16 ascents of Mount racel, which looms over downtown Montreabout

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Denis said he has already raised $25,000 for the race, about double what he spent two years ago.

The New York Times

So what is this upward race about?

Huffington Post

"Is race about colour?

Independent

That helped keep a Wisconsin race about Wisconsin's issues.

The New York Times

Is race about race or is it about nationality?

Independent

I'm not trying to make this race about the past.

The New York Times

"This is not a race about political ideology," he said.

The Guardian

Besides experience, this is a race about issues and specifics.

The New York Times

Likes to race about in big spaces, daily.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perhaps just as disappointed was the American Kris Freeman, who abandoned the race about midway through.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "race about" to vividly describe energetic and often chaotic movement. It's especially effective when portraying children playing or people rushing to meet a deadline.

Common error

While "race about" is perfectly acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound less professional. Opt for more precise verbs like "expedite", "accelerate", or "rush" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "race about" functions as a dynamic descriptor, indicating vigorous and often somewhat disorganized movement. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is common in various contexts, serving to illustrate the manner in which someone or something moves.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

15%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Opinion

10%

Arts

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "race about" describes energetic and often disorganized movement. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts, predominantly in news and media, as well as in lifestyle and sports writing. While grammatically sound and frequently used, "race about" is more suitable for neutral to informal settings. Consider alternatives like "dash around" or "rush around" for similar meanings but with slight variations in connotation. Remember to use "race about" to effectively capture the essence of hurried and somewhat chaotic activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dash around

Emphasizes quick, short movements in various directions.

rush around

Indicates a hurried and often chaotic manner of moving.

hurry around

Highlights the need to act quickly, often due to time constraints.

scurry about

Implies rapid, light steps, often with a sense of urgency or fear.

tear around

Suggests energetic and unrestrained movement, often at high speed.

scramble around

Indicates disorganized and hurried movement, often involving climbing or clambering.

fly around

Conveys a sense of rapid, almost effortless movement.

zip around

Suggests quick and efficient movement from place to place.

bustle about

Implies energetic activity and movement, often in a busy environment.

whiz around

Indicates very fast movement, often with a spinning or circular motion.

FAQs

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

Use "race about" to describe someone or something moving quickly and often erratically. For example, "The children "raced about" the playground after school."

What does "race about" mean?

"Race about" means to move or go quickly from place to place, often in a hurried or chaotic way. It suggests energetic and somewhat disorganized movement.

What are some alternatives to "race about"?

Alternatives to "race about" include "dash around", "rush around", or "scurry about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "race about" formal or informal?

"Race about" is generally considered to be informal. In more formal contexts, it's better to use more precise and professional language.