walking here and there

USAGE SUMMARY

'walking here and there' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or thing moving around in an area without a particular goal or direction. For example, "The little girl was running around, walking here and there, and laughing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Saying nothing, looking "very relaxed," walking "here and there," in the words of witnesses, the three unidentified gunmen killed and killed and killed here on Friday afternoon.

The New York Times

"I was staying there," Lady Gregory wrote, "gathering folklore, talking to the people, and felt a real pang of indignation when I passed another outsider walking here and there, talking also to the people.

The Guardian

We bump back down the winding mountains, passing clusters of brightly-dressed Ifugao tribespeople walking here and there on the paths.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

People walked here and there looking for scraps of wood to build new homes with.

The New Yorker

He walks here and there, rides his bicycle, takes the subway around Oslo.

The New York Times - Books

"I just walked here, and there's no men's bathroom," he said with a confused look.

The New York Times

And then in the course of taking care of the horses and tacking up the horses, you walk here and you walk there.

Los Angeles Times

"I felt good, a couple of walks here and there," Sabathia said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Obviously, a couple of walks here and there, but for the most part, location was good.

Los Angeles Times

"I'd see him walking here or there," Hito says.

The New Yorker

Individuals have missed walking days here and there, but the group as a whole hasn't.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "walking here and there" to depict a lack of purpose or direction in someone's movement. This can add a touch of realism or reflect a character's state of mind.

Common error

Avoid using "walking here and there" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions of movement to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "walking here and there" functions as a gerund phrase describing a manner of movement. It modifies a verb, specifying how an action is performed. Ludwig confirms this by providing real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "walking here and there" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe aimless or undirected movement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase finds its primary use in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While not exceptionally common, it provides a distinct image of casual or purposeless movement. If you're looking for alternatives, consider phrases like "wandering aimlessly" or "strolling about" to convey a similar meaning. Be mindful of overusing "walking here and there" and choose descriptive alternatives to maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wandering aimlessly

Emphasizes the lack of direction in the movement.

strolling about

Suggests a leisurely and relaxed manner of moving.

meandering around

Highlights the winding and indirect path of the movement.

drifting around

Implies a passive movement influenced by external forces.

roaming about

Conveys a sense of exploration and freedom in the movement.

flitting around

Suggests quick and light movements from place to place.

knocking about

Informal phrase implying casual and undirected movement.

sauntering around

Similar to strolling, but with a hint of self-importance.

ambling around

Implies a slow and relaxed pace of walking.

knocking around

Informal phrase implying casual and undirected movement.

FAQs

How can I use "walking here and there" in a sentence?

You can use "walking here and there" to describe someone moving without a specific destination, for example: "He was "wandering aimlessly" around the park, walking here and there, lost in thought."

What does "walking here and there" imply about the subject's state of mind?

It often suggests a lack of purpose, indecision, or a contemplative mood. They might be "strolling about" without any particular goal.

Are there more formal alternatives to "walking here and there"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "moving intermittently" or "traversing the area", depending on the context.

How is "walking here and there" different from "running around"?

"Walking here and there" implies a slower, more aimless movement, while "running around" suggests a faster, more energetic, though possibly still aimless, activity. "Walking here and there" is close to phrases like "meandering around".