tripping around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tripping around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone moving in a carefree or unsteady manner, often in a playful or lighthearted context. Example: "We spent the afternoon tripping around the park, enjoying the sunshine and laughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Accustomed to tripping around the world.

The New Yorker

And for the Jesse Kanda-directed Mouth Mantra you're shoved into Björk's mouth, tripping around her tongue as she sings.

The Guardian - Music

But croquet, though aficionados know it can be vicious, has associations with Victorian ladies tripping around carefully-mown lawns in bustle skirts.

The Economist

Well, he is there every day, but he also spends a heck of a lot of time tripping around the city, from event to event.

The New Yorker

Ed and Simon know a thing or two about tripping around the world.

TechCrunch

Tripping around North London, I remarked to her that she knows the area better so must feel safer.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Jamal Edwards, 21, entrepreneur "We were at Disneyland Paris on a school trip around 2001.

Independent

In the crucial scene of the film Adam accompanies Eve in a night trip around Detroit.

City, Territory and Architecture

What's a trip-around-the-world?

The New Yorker

Then back again; the round trip takes around six months.

The Economist

As more and more figures out of urban legends wander into Hook Man's path, the novel sketches an underclass of phantasms and malformed strangers, all road-tripping around a deadpan and unknowable country that mirrors our own.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing literal movement that might involve clumsiness or near falls, using tripping as part of another phrasal verb is more appropriate

Common error

Avoid using "tripping around" in formal or serious contexts, as it implies a lack of focus and control that may be inappropriate. In these settings, consider more formal alternatives like "traveling through" or "exploring".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tripping around" is as a phrasal verb. It acts as a verb phrase modifying a noun and describes a type of movement or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "tripping around" describes a lighthearted and casual form of movement or exploration. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct, but it's most suitable for informal contexts such as News and Media, while it may not be appropriate for academic or professional writing. Remember to use it when you want to express the idea of moving without a specific goal, or exploring in a carefree manner. Consider alternatives like "wandering about" or "meandering through" for more formal or specific connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wandering about

Implies a more aimless and leisurely movement compared to "tripping around".

strolling around

Indicates a relaxed and unhurried walk, often for pleasure.

meandering through

Suggests a slow and winding path, often through a specific location.

gallivanting about

Conveys a sense of carefree and playful movement, often involving travel.

roaming around

Suggests a more extensive and less directed movement over a larger area.

jaunting around

Implies quick and energetic short trips or excursions.

flitting about

Suggests quick, light and erratic movement, often changing direction rapidly.

cruising around

Implies moving smoothly and effortlessly, often in a vehicle.

prowling around

Indicates stealthy or secretive movement, often in search of something.

circumnavigating

Refers specifically to traveling all the way around something, like an island or the world.

FAQs

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

You can use "tripping around" to describe someone moving in a carefree or unsteady manner. For example, "They spent the afternoon tripping around the city, exploring the hidden alleyways."

What does "tripping around" imply?

"Tripping around" often suggests a lighthearted and casual exploration, lacking a specific or serious purpose. It can also imply a degree of unsteadiness or clumsiness in movement.

Are there more formal alternatives to "tripping around"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "traveling through", "exploring", or "wandering around" for a more formal tone.

Is "tripping around" grammatically correct?

Yes, "tripping around" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb. It is commonly used in informal contexts to describe casual movement or exploration.