run about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'run about' is correct and usable in written English.
You can commonly use it in informal contexts to refer to someone moving around actively, often for a purpose. For example: The children were running about the garden, playing tag.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Scrawny children run about half-naked.

The Economist

He didn't want to make him run about too much.

The New Yorker

Three courses without drinks run about 600 rupees per person.

The New York Times - Travel

Standard maintenance charges run about $1.50 a square foot.

The New York Times

People scream and run about and get eaten.

The Guardian - Film

A slightly luxurious dinner for two will run about $120.

The New York Times - Travel

Everyone would get pumped and run about like a loon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Electrical costs run about $40 per month.

Forbes

Would there be anywhere to run about?

BBC

"We don't just run about and play 50-50 football.

BBC

These courses typically run about 14 weeks long.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run about" to depict energetic or aimless movement, particularly in informal or descriptive writing. It's excellent for conveying a sense of activity without specifying a precise destination or goal.

Common error

Avoid using "run about" in formal or professional writing where more precise language is needed. Phrases like "move around", "travel", or "be active" are more suitable for those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "run about" primarily functions as a descriptor of movement or activity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests a state of being busy and active, as exemplified in sentences where children "run about" or someone is "running about" getting things done.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "run about" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English. As Ludwig AI notes, it is best suited for informal contexts where the intention is to describe energetic or busy movement. While not overly common, its usage is consistent across various sources like news media and general online content. Consider alternatives like "move around" or "dash about" for greater precision or formality. Be mindful of overusing it in professional or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move around

Focuses on the act of changing location without emphasizing busyness or purpose.

scamper around

Implies quick, light movements, often associated with playfulness or excitement.

dash about

Suggests hurried and energetic movement, often to accomplish something quickly.

bustle about

Highlights busy and energetic activity, usually with a specific purpose in mind.

hurry around

Emphasizes the need to move quickly, often due to time constraints.

fly around

Suggests rapid and possibly chaotic movement, like trying to manage multiple tasks.

gallivant around

Implies carefree wandering and enjoyment of oneself.

jaunt around

Similar to gallivant, but may suggest travel for pleasure.

wander around

Focuses on aimless walking or movement without a specific destination.

promenade around

Indicates leisurely walking in a public place, often for display or socializing.

FAQs

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

You can use "run about" to describe someone moving around actively or busily. For example, "The children were running about the playground" or "I've been running about all day getting things done."

What are some alternatives to "run about"?

You can use alternatives such as "move around", "scamper around", or "dash about" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "run about" formal or informal?

"Run about" is generally considered an informal phrase. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "circulate" or "be active".

What does "run about" mean?

"Run about" means to move around quickly or busily, often without a specific goal or direction. It can also mean to be very busy doing many different things.