running here and there

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "running here and there" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone moving around in a hurried or chaotic manner, often in different directions. Example: "During the event, I found myself running here and there, trying to manage all the different tasks at once."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The corridors were busy with clerks running here and there.

The New Yorker

There's a lot of running here and there so you need an outfit that's comfortable.

The Guardian

"All day and night, people running here and there, meeting, talking, drinking tea," Klara Kasparova said, with a long sigh.

The New Yorker

"Everything was out of control -- children were running here and there," said Mansoor Fareed, a science teacher.

The New York Times

Naomi, the cleareyed narrator, sees "a million billion people, every one of them with problems, all running here and there and screaming for help".

The New York Times - Books

"You can't take months off boxing, running here and there, and think you can come into an eight-week camp and perform at the best of your ability.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Throughout the mini-farm, PVC pipes and wires run here and there, connecting to clamps and switches.

The New Yorker

But after the war I would run here and there, I would kill myself, I would focus on one thing and not stop until I do it".

The New Yorker

Children run here and there, exercising puppies on leads.

Forbes

"We tried to peck away, get a run here and there, and we got big hits".

The New York Times - Sports

Got a run here and there and got a big hit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "running here and there" to vividly depict a scene of chaos, urgency, or disorganization. For example, "During the emergency, the staff was running here and there, trying to assist the injured."

Common error

Avoid using "running here and there" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional language, such as "managing multiple tasks simultaneously" or "coordinating various activities" to maintain a more serious and focused tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running here and there" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner of movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct expression. Examples in Ludwig show it describing people or things moving quickly and erratically.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "running here and there" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe hurried and somewhat chaotic movement. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While versatile, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts and less suited for formal academic writing. Consider alternatives like "rushing around" or "darting around" for nuanced variations. The phrase is effective for vividly portraying scenes of activity and disorganization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rushing around

Focuses on the speed and urgency of the movement.

scurrying about

Implies small, quick movements, often due to busyness or fear.

darting around

Suggests quick, sudden movements in different directions.

flitting about

Implies light, restless movement, often without a clear purpose.

hustling and bustling

Emphasizes the energy and activity of a crowded environment.

moving erratically

Highlights the lack of a fixed course or direction of the movement.

gallivanting around

Suggests carefree, playful wandering.

scattered movements

Highlights lack of central direction and distribution of motion.

randomly traversing

Emphasizes the unplanned and unpredictable direction of movements.

aimless wandering

Implies a lack of purpose or destination in the movement.

FAQs

How can I use "running here and there" in a sentence?

Use "running here and there" to describe someone or something moving about quickly and erratically in different directions, often implying a sense of urgency or lack of organization. For example, "The children were "running here and there" in the playground, full of energy."

What are some alternatives to "running here and there"?

Consider using alternatives such as "rushing around", "scurrying about", or "darting around" to convey similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

Is "running here and there" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "running here and there" is generally more suitable for informal or descriptive writing. In formal contexts, consider using more precise and professional alternatives that convey a similar meaning with greater clarity and sophistication.

What is the difference between "running here and there" and "wandering aimlessly"?

"Running here and there" implies a sense of speed and possibly urgency, while "wandering aimlessly" suggests a lack of direction or purpose without necessarily involving rapid movement. The former describes activity, the latter describes a lack of direction.