zip around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "zip around" is a perfectly acceptable part of written English, and can be used as a verb to mean "move quickly".
For example, you could say: "I zipped around the grocery store, picking up the items on my list".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Astronomers verified this by showing that stars swirling around distant galaxies zip around too fast.

The Guardian

Obviously, take extra care on tight corners which you might zip around on a warm, dry day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In one online demonstration, animated bicyclists zip around a Beijing street (click on Beijing at www.throbbing.com/bikerace).

The New York Times - Tech

At room temperature, atoms zip around so fast that they are difficult to study and control.

Science Magazine

Nicaraguan and U.S. staff alike zip around the halls, exchanging equipment and the occasional bilingual joke.

Yale University

We zip around one sharp bend, then another.

The New Yorker

It's play time, and they both zip around their moms.

The New York Times

All zip around powered by faith, trust and pixie dust.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Quilted square zip-around with tassel by Tumi, $148 at tumi.com.

The New York Times

This millennial pink zip-around wallet has us dreaming of spring.

HuffPost

Now teachers can use Google to zip around the Internet's global library.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "zip around" to vividly describe quick and often somewhat aimless movement in a dynamic environment. It's particularly effective when describing people, vehicles, or even abstract concepts in motion.

Common error

Avoid using "zip around" in formal or academic writing where a more precise or sophisticated verb might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "move quickly" or "circulate rapidly" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "zip around" functions as a verb phrase, describing a rapid and often somewhat aimless movement. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from describing the motion of atoms to the movement of people and vehicles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

23%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "zip around" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe rapid and energetic movement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability in written English. It is a common expression, particularly in news and media, though less frequent in formal academic settings. Related phrases include "move quickly" and "dart around". When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure a more formal alternative isn't more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whiz around

Similar in meaning, but suggests a continuous or repeated movement.

fly around

Emphasizes speed and ease of movement, often suggesting a lack of obstacles.

speed around

Directly emphasizes the high speed of the movement.

move quickly

Focuses on the speed of the movement, omitting the circular or somewhat aimless quality.

dart around

Implies a sudden, rapid movement from one place to another.

dash about

Implies a hurried and energetic movement, often in different directions.

race around

Highlights the competitive or urgent nature of the movement.

scurry about

Suggests a hurried and often anxious movement.

buzz around

Implies a lively and energetic movement, often in a social context.

hustle about

Suggests busy and energetic activity, often in a professional setting.

FAQs

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

"Zip around" is used to describe moving quickly and energetically. For example, "Bees "buzz around" flowers" or "Children "dash about" the playground".

What is a similar phrase to "zip around"?

Synonyms for "zip around" include "move quickly", "whiz around", or "dart around", all suggesting rapid movement.

Is "zip around" formal or informal?

"Zip around" is generally considered an informal expression. In formal writing, consider using more precise and less colloquial alternatives such as "traverse rapidly" or "circulate quickly".

What's the difference between "zip around" and "wander around"?

"Zip around" implies quick, energetic movement, often with a purpose. "Wander around" suggests a more leisurely, aimless movement without a specific destination.