get about: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “get about” mean?
To move from place to place, physically or figuratively.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To move from place to place, physically or figuratively; to travel or become known.
To be socially active, to manage to travel despite difficulties, or to circulate (of news/information).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'get about' and 'get around'. British English slightly prefers 'get about' for physical mobility. American English strongly prefers 'get around' for all senses.
Connotations
In British English, 'get about' can sound slightly more colloquial or traditional. In American English, using 'get about' might be perceived as a Britishism.
Frequency
High frequency in both, but 'get around' is the dominant form in AmE. 'Get about' is common but less frequent than 'get around' in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “get about” in a Sentence
SUBJ + get about (intransitive)SUBJ + get about + PLACE (intransitive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “get about” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Despite his arthritis, he still gets about with a walking stick.
- How did that confidential report get about?
American English
- She gets about town on her electric scooter.
- Word got about that the store was closing.
adjective
British English
- She's a very get-about person for her age. (Informal/rare)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare in formal business contexts. Might appear informally: 'News of the merger got about quickly.'
Academic
Very rare. Would use 'circulate', 'disseminate', or 'travel' instead.
Everyday
Common in spoken language to discuss mobility, social life, or gossip: 'How does she get about since her operation?' 'The story got about the office in minutes.'
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “get about”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “get about”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “get about”
- *I get about the news. (Incorrect. Use: I hear/get the news.)
- *She gets about to many countries. (Awkward. Use: She travels to many countries.)
- Confusing 'get about' with 'be about to' (future intention).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily used in informal or neutral spoken contexts. In writing, more formal alternatives like 'circulate', 'travel', or 'be mobile' are preferred.
In meaning, very little. 'Get around' is the standard form in American English and is equally common in British English. 'Get about' is somewhat more characteristic of British English.
Yes, commonly for news, rumours, information, or stories (e.g., 'The story got about quickly'). It means to become widely known or to spread.
Not always. It often appears in contexts discussing mobility despite age or disability ('get about well'), but it can simply mean to be socially active or travel frequently ('He gets about a lot').
To move from place to place, physically or figuratively.
Get about: in British English it is pronounced /ɡet əˈbaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡet əˈbaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He gets about a bit (is socially/sexually active).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a busy bee that GETs ABOVE the flowers, moving to many places. GET ABOVE -> GET ABOUT (moving widely).
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY / INFORMATION IS A TRAVELLING ENTITY
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'get about' used CORRECTLY?