scamper around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scamper around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something moving quickly and playfully in a lively manner, often in a small area. Example: "The children scampered around the playground, laughing and playing tag."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Far better than the mousy, introverted kind who resolutely refuse to scamper around doing jetés and arabesques.

The New York Times

This sets off a madcap scene in which chorus members scamper around, trying on costumes, some of them squeezing into body padding to play fat characters, others stripping to boxer shorts and putting on drab servant's garb.

The New York Times - Arts

Within Mr. Loquasto's carefully detailed, solidly built environment, Mr. Pendleton's cast members scamper around like a bunch of kids who have the run of their rich parents' house for the weekend.

The New York Times

Children scamper around a leafy park.

The New York Times

The Athenian maidens, Helena Emily Kunkell) and Hermia (Rebecca Mozo), scamper around in perky sundresses.

The New York Times

Fish trophies adorn the walls and feisty dogs scamper around the room.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

They were scampering around without leashes.

The New Yorker

So many cats scampering around was good enough, but then some kittens turned up! Bless.

The Guardian

We've not used mobiles at all, she thought, her mind scampering around wildly.

The New Yorker

A card showing boys scampering around twisted wreckage comments sarcastically: "The children playground, designed by NATO".

The New York Times - Travel

Rodents scampered around in search of crumbs from the dried bread that students used as erasers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scamper around" to vividly describe small, quick movements, especially when portraying animals or children in a playful or energetic setting. For instance, "Squirrels scamper around the park, gathering nuts for the winter."

Common error

Avoid using "scamper around" in formal or professional writing where a more serious or dignified tone is required. Opt for alternatives like "move quickly" or "hurry" to maintain the appropriate level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scamper around" is as a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate of a clause. Ludwig confirms its proper usage, often describing actions performed by animals or children in a lively manner.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scamper around" is a phrasal verb used to describe quick, light, and often playful movement, most commonly by animals or children. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable in written English, though more suited to informal and neutral contexts than formal or scientific writing. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources. Alternatives include "dart about", "scurry about", and "dash around", offering subtle variations in meaning and intensity. Avoid overusing it in formal contexts to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scurry about

Emphasizes hurriedness or agitation in the movement.

dash around

Highlights the speed and directness of movement.

zip around

Focuses on moving quickly and efficiently within a limited area.

dart about

Focuses on quick, sudden movements in different directions.

flit about

Suggests a light, quick, and somewhat aimless movement.

frisk about

Implies a playful and energetic type of movement.

romp around

Suggests a boisterous and joyful type of movement.

gambol about

Describes playful skipping or frolicking.

cavort around

Highlights a lively and exuberant movement.

bustle around

Emphasizes busy and hurried movement, often with a purpose.

FAQs

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

"Scamper around" describes quick, light movement, often playfully. For example, "The kittens scamper around the living room."

What is a good alternative to "scamper around"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "dart about", "scurry about", or "dash around".

Is "scamper around" formal or informal?

"Scamper around" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "move quickly" or "hurry".

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

"Scamper around" implies quick, playful movement, while "wander around" suggests a more leisurely and aimless movement. It's a question of intensity and purpose.