speed around

USAGE SUMMARY

"speed around" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is typically used as an idiom meaning "move quickly" or "act quickly," as in "He sped around trying to get all his errands done before lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He has, he said, reached top speed: around 60 m.p.h.

The New York Times

Ms. Page-Green, who likes to speed around on the sidewalk, has encountered hostility.

The New York Times

I would never buy a motorboat just to speed around, pulling thrill-seekers in my wake.

The New York Times - Sports

Millions of people who a decade ago had only bicycles now speed around on motor scooters past factories and office towers.

The New York Times

For Bloodhound, the intake is optimised for high speed (around Mach 1.2, or 900+ mph) to give minimum drag and maximum power as we approach 1,000mph.

BBC

Besides, Harman can't exactly speed around in a big red number, can she?

Vice

So when I'm tempted to speed around a corner or do something that might be considered "fun" I try to stop myself.

Huffington Post

Some of the drawbacks include its classification speed (around a second per abstract on a desktop system) and the required index size.

Bioinformatics

(Today's fastest chips operate at little more than half this speed, around 600 megahertz).

The Economist

Acela uses tilting technology that enables trains to retain speed around turns.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

10. HE DESCRIBES HIS Electra Townie 21-speed (around $500) as a beach cruiser on steroids.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speed around" to vividly describe situations where quick movement or activity is central to the narrative. It adds a dynamic feel to your writing.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "speed around" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs that specify the type of movement or action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speed around" functions as a phrasal verb, adding dynamism to descriptions by indicating rapid movement in a given space. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing people or objects moving quickly.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speed around" is a phrasal verb used to describe rapid movement or activity. Ludwig's examples show it commonly appears in news and media contexts, though it may be less suitable for formal writing. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid in written English and functions as an idiom. Alternatives include "rush about" or "dash around". When using "speed around", consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rush about

Focuses on hurried and often disorganized movement.

dash around

Emphasizes a quick, energetic movement over a short distance.

whiz around

Implies a very fast, almost blurring motion.

zip around

Suggests a quick and efficient movement, often in a vehicle.

hurry about

Highlights the urgency and haste of the movement.

scurry around

Implies quick, light steps, often due to nervousness or fear.

tear around

Suggests reckless or uncontrolled speed.

fly around

Emphasizes speed and ease of movement, like something airborne.

buzz around

Suggests busy, aimless movement, like an insect.

hustle and bustle

Describes a general state of busy activity and rapid movement in a place.

FAQs

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

You can use "speed around" to describe quick movement or activity. For example, "The children "speed around" the playground during recess."

What's a good alternative to "speed around"?

Alternatives to "speed around" include "rush about", "dash around", or "whiz around", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "speed around" in formal writing?

While "speed around" is generally understood, it might be too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "move quickly" or "circulate rapidly".

What does "speed around" imply about the movement?

"Speed around" implies a quick and often somewhat uncontrolled or energetic movement, suggesting a lack of specific direction or purpose beyond covering ground quickly.