scouting around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scouting around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to searching or exploring an area or situation for information or opportunities. Example: "I spent the afternoon scouting around the neighborhood for potential venues for the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Even though funds were not available, we had been scouting around, identifying players we would like to sign when funds were released.

The Guardian - Sport

CONDRIEU, FRANCE — Laurent Terrisson, who runs a firm that exports French wine, was scouting around at a tasting of Rhône Valley 2011s for a Condrieu to flesh out his portfolio.

The New York Times - Food

Laxman Badiga, Wipro's chief information officer, says the company is scouting around for a third-tier city in China to expand on its existing capacity of 200 employees.

Forbes

team was scouting around outside El Adobe Restaurant (31891 Camino Capistrano), formerly two adobes, one of which served as the jail.

Los Angeles Times

Spend a day or so out scouting around for some really neat things to hang on your fence; and while you are out, stop by Home Depot or a similar store to pick up some tiki torches.

WikiHow

Is she scouting around for real estate in Los Angeles?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

And scout around for a girlfriend.

The New York Times

I might scout around elsewhere for a few good bottles, though.

The New York Times

I have scouted around for some info on whether there is a market there for TrueOffice.

Stanford University

As they started to scout around, they also started to dish.

The New York Times

He said that on his next trip he mought scout around a little bit for gold.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scouting around" when you want to convey the idea of casually searching or exploring an area or situation to find something specific, like information, opportunities, or resources. It implies a less formal and more exploratory approach.

Common error

While "scouting around" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal or professional writing where a more precise term like "investigating", "researching", or "exploring" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "scouting around" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of searching or exploring, often in a casual or informal manner. Ludwig provides several examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scouting around" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrasal verb that indicates the act of searching or exploring, usually in an informal manner. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is primarily used in news and media, but can also appear in Wiki and academic contexts. When writing, be mindful of the register and avoid using "scouting around" in highly formal or professional settings where more precise terms would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking about

Focuses on the act of visually surveying an area.

searching the area

Emphasizes a detailed investigation of a specific location.

exploring the vicinity

Highlights a broader examination of the surroundings.

investigating the surroundings

Implies a more formal or thorough examination.

reconnoitering the region

Suggests a preliminary survey, often for strategic purposes.

checking out the location

Emphasizes a casual inspection of a place.

scoping out the territory

Suggests assessing an area for potential opportunities or threats.

probing the landscape

Conveys a sense of deeply exploring and questioning an environment.

ferreting about

Implies searching diligently, often for something hidden.

rummaging around

Connotes a less organized, more haphazard search.

FAQs

What does "scouting around" mean?

The phrase "scouting around" means to search or explore a place or situation, often in a casual or informal way, to find something of interest or value.

What can I say instead of "scouting around"?

You can use alternatives like "looking about", "exploring the vicinity", or "investigating the surroundings" depending on the context.

Is "scouting around" formal or informal?

"Scouting around" is generally considered informal. For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "conducting research" or "exploring options".

How to use "scouting around" in a sentence?

Example: "I was "scouting around" for new recipes online." or "The company is "scouting around" for potential acquisition targets."