to move about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to move about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of changing position or location, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The children were free to move about the playground during recess."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The groupings are starting to move about".

The Guardian

Musicians with portable instruments are instructed to move about freely.

The New Yorker

It is about denying women the basic human right to move about freely.

The New York Times

For seven days, the plateless cars would be allowed to move about California legally.

The New York Times

Two weeks later, Tyler was able to move about without help from anyone else.

The New York Times - Sports

People who allow networks to track them still have a way to move about anonymously.

The New York Times - Tech

Case's desire to move about, to uproot herself, perhaps comes from her nomadic childhood.

The Guardian - Music

Since Mayra grew up there, the gangsters allow her to move about freely.

The New Yorker

These loops were able to move about in the air bubble stream.

AMB Express

And it is possible to move about 60% of the wrist joint movable range of motion.

ROBOMECH Journal

Mobility the ability to move about in one's neighbourhood and maintain independence is essential for older adults' wellbeing.

Social Science & Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to move about" when describing the simple act of changing location or position, especially when freedom or ease of movement is implied. For example, in describing the mobility of patients after surgery.

Common error

While acceptable in general writing, avoid overusing "to move about" in highly formal or technical documents. Opt for more precise verbs like "travel", "displace", or "migrate" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the infinitive phrase "to move about" is to act as an infinitive of purpose or complement within a sentence, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate the reason for movement or the ability to do so. As Ludwig AI shows, it can describe freedom of movement or a physical action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to move about" is a versatile and commonly used infinitive phrase indicating the act of changing location or position. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news articles, scientific publications, and general-knowledge wikis. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more precise alternatives in highly formal writing. Key contexts include describing mobility, freedom of movement, and physical ability. Related phrases like "to walk around" or "to roam" offer nuanced alternatives for expressing similar ideas. Remember to maintain precision and avoid overuse in formal contexts to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to walk around

Focuses specifically on movement by foot within a limited area.

to get around

Highlights the ability to navigate and overcome obstacles in moving from place to place.

to roam

Implies wandering without a specific destination, often over a large area.

to wander

Similar to roam, but can also suggest a more aimless or contemplative movement.

to circulate

Suggests a more formal or structured movement, often within a group or system.

to go about

Describes the act of moving around to perform tasks or engage in activities.

to travel

Emphasizes distance and purpose in moving from one place to another.

to ambulate

Suggests moving or walking, especially if someone has difficulty.

to locomote

A more technical and scientific term for the act of moving.

to proceed

Implies a forward or onward movement, often in a structured or planned manner.

FAQs

How can I use "to move about" in a sentence?

You can use "to move about" to describe the act of changing location. For example: "After the surgery, the patient was able to "to move about" freely."

What are some alternatives to "to move about"?

Alternatives to "to move about" include "to walk around", "to roam", or "to circulate", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "to move about" formal or informal?

"To move about" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise verbs might be preferred in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "to move about" and "to travel"?

"To move about" generally implies a less structured or shorter-distance movement, while "to travel" suggests a more purposeful journey over a longer distance.