go about: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral (common in both spoken and written language)
Quick answer
What does “go about” mean?
To start dealing with or working on a task or problem.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To start dealing with or working on a task or problem; to approach or undertake something.
Can mean to move around, circulate, or be in a particular state or condition (e.g., 'go about your business', 'go about in rags'). Also used for the way a rumour or information spreads among people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. British English may have a slightly higher frequency in the sense of 'going about one's business' as a fixed phrase. No significant syntactic or lexical differences.
Connotations
Identical connotations of methodical or habitual action.
Frequency
Common in both varieties; no notable frequency disparity.
Grammar
How to Use “go about” in a Sentence
[sb] go about [doing sth] (e.g., go about repairing)[sb] go about [sth] (e.g., go about the task)[rumour/story] go about (intransitive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “go about” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- How should one go about applying for a mortgage?
- Rumours have been going about concerning the new manager.
- He went about his duties with quiet efficiency.
American English
- How do I go about getting a parking permit?
- Stories went about that the company was in trouble.
- She went about her day as if nothing had happened.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when discussing procedures: 'We need to go about this merger carefully.'
Academic
Used in methodological discussions: 'The researchers went about collecting data systematically.'
Everyday
Common in advice/questions: 'How should I go about getting a visa?' or 'He just went about his routine.'
Technical
Less common; may appear in procedural manuals or instructions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “go about”
- Incorrect: *'How I can go about of this problem?' Correct: 'How can I go about this problem?'
- Incorrect: *'She goes about to clean the house.' Correct: 'She goes about cleaning the house.' (gerund after 'go about')
- Overusing in contexts where a simpler verb like 'do' or 'start' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically no. While very old or dialectal use might allow 'go it about', modern standard English uses it non-separably: 'go about [the task]'.
They are largely synonymous. 'Set about' can imply a more definite or vigorous beginning. 'Go about' can sound slightly more neutral or descriptive of one's general manner.
Yes, commonly. E.g., 'She is going about her work,' 'How are we going about this?'
Not always. In senses like 'go about one's business' or 'rumours going about', it describes ongoing, habitual activity or circulation, not necessarily a start.
To start dealing with or working on a task or problem.
Go about is usually neutral (common in both spoken and written language) in register.
Go about: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊ əˈbaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊ əˈbaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go about your business (mind your own affairs)”
- “Go about in circles (make no progress)”
- “Go about like a headless chicken (act in a frantic, disorganised way)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GOAT walking ABOUT a hill, trying to figure out how to start climbing it. The GOAT is deciding HOW TO GO ABOUT the climb.
Conceptual Metaphor
TASKS ARE JOURNEYS (to go about a task is to start moving along the path of doing it).
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'A sense of excitement went about the crowd,' what does 'went about' mean?