cast about
B2-C1Somewhat formal/literary
Definition
Meaning
To search or look around in various places or among different possibilities, often in an unplanned or undirected manner.
Can also mean to try various methods or consider different options in order to achieve something, especially when lacking a clear plan or direction.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrasal verb implies a degree of aimlessness, difficulty, or active effort in the search. Often used when someone is seeking a solution, idea, or opportunity. The particle 'about' conveys a sense of movement in various directions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slight preference for 'cast around' in British English, though 'cast about' is understood and used. No significant syntactic differences.
Connotations
Both varieties share the connotation of a somewhat desperate or thoughtful search. Possibly perceived as slightly more literary in American English.
Frequency
Low-frequency phrasal verb in both varieties, more likely found in written texts (journalism, literature) than casual speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
S + cast about + for + NP (object of search)S + cast about + ADV (e.g., desperately, frantically)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cast about for a lifeline”
- “Cast one's net about (wider metaphor from fishing)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The management team cast about for a new strategy to regain market share.'
Academic
'Scholars often cast about for novel theoretical frameworks to explain complex phenomena.'
Everyday
'I cast about for my keys for ten minutes before finding them in my coat pocket.'
Technical
Rare in technical contexts unless metaphorical.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She cast about for a convincing argument.
- The journalist cast around for a fresh angle on the story.
American English
- He cast about for a new job after the factory closed.
- The committee cast about desperately for a compromise.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I cast about for my phone but couldn't find it.
- They cast about for a good place to eat.
- Lost in the unfamiliar city, she cast about for a street sign.
- The writer cast about for inspiration, reading old books and taking long walks.
- With the original plan in tatters, the campaign manager began frantically casting about for an alternative.
- His mind cast about for a diplomatic formulation that would satisfy all parties.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a fisherman CASTing his net ABOUT in different parts of the sea, searching for fish. The action is the search.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEARCHING IS CASTING A NET (throwing something out to gather what you need).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as "бросать около".
- Beware of confusing with "cast" meaning to throw or to act in a play.
- The closest conceptual equivalent is "искать вслепую", "метаться в поисках", or "перебирать варианты".
Common Mistakes
- Using 'cast about' for a quick, easy find (incorrect).
- Using it without 'for' when an object is intended (e.g., 'He cast about a solution' is wrong; correct: 'He cast about for a solution').
- Confusing it with 'cast aside' (to discard).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'cast about' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot put an object between 'cast' and 'about' (e.g., you cannot say 'cast an idea about').
'Cast about' implies a more active, sometimes frantic or less directed search, often involving trying multiple avenues. 'Look for' is more general and neutral.
Yes, though it often carries a tone of slight difficulty. For example, 'casting about for new opportunities' can be a positive, proactive search.
Yes, they are synonyms. 'Cast around' is somewhat more common in British English, while 'cast about' is standard in both British and American English.