skulk around

USAGE SUMMARY

"skulk around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to move about stealthily or to creep around in a secretive or sneaky manner. It can be used to describe someone who is trying to avoid being seen or noticed. Example: The thief skulked around the dark alleyways, searching for an easy target to rob.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

You don't have to skulk around like some kind of after-curfew teenager, coming up with far-fetched excuses to tell your parents.

The New York Times

"It is not going to be easy to skulk around, to sneak around, and to engage in these negative ads and then pretend that they are not yours".

The New York Times

In an era in which identity theft is the ultimate crime, I skulk around on a regular basis fearing that somehow, my other-named double is getting me in trouble.

The New York Times

He was tired of having to skulk around, of not being able to emote about his money -- he wanted to dispel what he calls "the voodoo of inherited wealth".

The New York Times - Arts

By Friday evening she was so nervous from sitting around waiting, that she didn't know what to do with herself She took the subway uptown to skulk around near where Wilfredo worked & lived.

The New Yorker

In those days, she would skulk around at night putting up posters with texts culled from Karl Marx, Susan Sontag and other intellectuals: "The desire to reproduce is a death wish" was one; "Romantic love was invented to manipulate women" another.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

He skulked around like Salman Rushdie after the fatwa.

The New York Times

No wonder McNulty sometimes skulks around like a pantomime villain.

The Guardian

Iago, inflated with spite, skulks around, looking to stir up mutiny against his boss.

The New Yorker

It rustles in the stubble as if someone were skulking around in it.

The Guardian - Books

Having skulked around on the fringes, Akinfenwa abruptly left for Lithuania aged 18.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skulk around" to vividly depict characters or individuals moving secretively, often with negative or suspicious intentions. This phrase enhances the sense of mystery or unease in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "skulk around" when simply describing someone walking or moving normally. This phrase implies a deliberate attempt to remain hidden or unnoticed, suggesting potential ill intent or secrecy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skulk around" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, modifying a subject by describing a specific type of movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and used to describe someone moving stealthily. Examples show its utility in depicting secretive or suspicious actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skulk around" is a phrasal verb used to describe moving stealthily and secretively, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. Primarily found in news and media contexts, the phrase paints a vivid picture of furtive actions. While grammatically sound and widely used, be mindful of its implications of suspicion and secrecy, and consider more neutral alternatives like "move stealthily" in formal settings. Remember, "skulk around" to the park, but better to walk normally!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sneak around

Implies a deliberate effort to avoid detection while moving.

creep around

Highlights slow, cautious, and often silent movement to avoid being noticed.

lurk about

Emphasizes a sense of waiting or remaining hidden, often with negative intent.

prowl around

Suggests a predatory or searching movement, often in a stealthy manner.

slink around

Suggests moving in a furtive, abject manner, as if ashamed or guilty.

move stealthily

A more formal way of describing quiet or secretive movement.

hide out

Focuses on the act of concealing oneself in a particular location.

lounge around secretively

Implies lurking with intent to do bad.

hang around surreptitiously

Suggests waiting in a place secretly.

shadow someone

Implies following someone discreetly, often with surveillance purposes.

FAQs

What does "skulk around" mean?

"Skulk around" means to move stealthily or secretly, often with the intention of avoiding detection or doing something wrong. It suggests a furtive and suspicious manner.

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

You can use "skulk around" to describe someone's actions, such as: "The suspect was seen to "sneak around" the building late at night".

What are some synonyms for "skulk around"?

Alternatives to "skulk around" include "lurk about", "prowl around", or "creep around", each implying secretive or stealthy movement with slightly different connotations.

Is it ever appropriate to use "skulk around" in formal writing?

While "skulk around" is generally acceptable, it's less common in formal writing. More neutral alternatives like "move stealthily" might be preferred to avoid overly negative connotations associated with "skulk".