tear about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tear about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone moving quickly and energetically in a chaotic or disorganized manner. Example: "The children began to tear about the playground, laughing and playing tag."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The kids – the little girl on the left is Sarah's mum, Joyce – will have been allowed to strip off and tear about and feel the sand between their toes.

The Guardian - Travel

Although McDowall's liberties with the laws of physics strain credulity, there is a convincing tang of lived experience in the evocation of a practically lawless pocket of the north‑east where children tear about on stolen quad bikes and feral horses chew the grass.

The Guardian

Isaac was on a tear about third-party candidates.

The New York Times - Style

"Tari Phillips!" he says, on a tear about his sojourn in this strange new country.

The New York Times

But Baker's observation and wit tear about joyously like demented greyhounds.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Ilana has to interrupt going on a tear about the plight of women in Saudi Arabia to comment on the unfairness of a brunch without bottomless mimosas.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

He's similarly torn about Westminster.

The Guardian - Film

Shaw had always been torn about gradualism.

The Guardian - Opinion

With hordes of crazed, barefoot children tearing about.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yeah, that sort of thing is exactly why I'm torn about who to vote for".

Independent

This has left many Japanese torn about whether to continue using nuclear power.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tear about" to vividly describe children playing energetically or to portray someone moving frantically and without clear direction. For example: "The puppies were tearing about the garden, chasing butterflies."

Common error

Avoid using "tear about" in professional or formal writing where a more composed tone is expected. Opt for phrases like "move swiftly" or "circulate actively" to maintain a professional demeanor.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "tear about" functions primarily as a descriptor of motion, indicating energetic, often chaotic, movement. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it's used to depict children playing or the Krampus threatening passersby, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Lifestyle

13%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Science

35%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tear about" is a phrasal verb that describes energetic and often chaotic movement. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, although it's more suitable for informal contexts. It is commonly found in news and lifestyle articles, as well as travel writing. For more formal settings, alternatives like "move swiftly" or "circulate actively" might be more appropriate. The phrase should be employed when the goal is to vividly describe a scene of lively or somewhat uncontrolled action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rush around

Focuses more on hurried movement than chaotic energy.

dash around

Emphasizes quick, short bursts of movement.

scurry about

Suggests hurried and slightly panicked movement.

romp around

Implies playful and carefree movement.

fritter away

Indicates wasting time or resources in a scattered manner.

mess around

Suggests undirected, playful activity, often with a slightly negative connotation.

be agitated about

Focuses on emotional distress and worry.

worry about

Emphasizes concern or anxiety regarding a situation.

fret about

Implies persistent and anxious worrying.

grieve over

Indicates deep sorrow or mourning.

FAQs

How can I use "tear about" in a sentence?

You can use "tear about" to describe someone or something moving quickly and energetically in a somewhat chaotic manner. For example: "The kids love to "tear about" the park after school."

What does "tear about" mean?

"Tear about" means to move around quickly and energetically, often in a disorganized or chaotic way. It can also refer to being very upset or worried about something.

What can I say instead of "tear about"?

You can use alternatives like "rush around", "dash around", or "scurry about" depending on the specific context.

Is "tear about" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "tear about" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more neutral phrases like "move quickly" or "circulate actively".