run around
HighInformal, conversational.
Definition
Meaning
To move quickly from place to place, often in a hurried or chaotic manner.
To be very busy with many different tasks, often in a disorganized or frantic way. It can also mean to have a casual romantic or sexual relationship with someone, though this is a dated or regional use.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A separable phrasal verb (e.g., 'run the children around'). Often implies wasted or unproductive effort ('running around doing errands'). Can have a negative connotation of being manipulated ('He's running you around').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'run around' and 'run about' are largely interchangeable, with 'run about' slightly more common in some contexts (e.g., for children playing). American English strongly prefers 'run around'.
Connotations
The 'romantic relationship' sense is somewhat dated in the UK (e.g., 'They were running around together') and very rare in modern American English.
Frequency
Equally common and frequent in both varieties for the core and extended 'busy' meanings.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Intransitive (no direct object): 'Stop running around!'Transitive (with object, separable): 'I spent the morning running the kids around to their activities.'Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “run around in circles”
- “run around like a headless chicken”
- “run someone ragged (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informally used to describe unproductive busyness: 'We've been running around trying to fix this client's last-minute demands.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing. Might appear in informal speech or literary analysis describing character action.
Everyday
Very common: 'I need to run around and get groceries before the party.'
Technical
Not applicable in technical registers.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The kids love to run around the garden.
- I've been running about all day sorting the removal.
American English
- The kids love to run around the yard.
- I've been running around all day getting ready for the move.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children run around in the playground.
- My dog runs around when he is happy.
- I spent the whole morning running around doing errands.
- Don't run around the house, you'll break something!
- I feel like I'm just running around in circles with this paperwork.
- She's been running around after her grandchildren all week.
- The CEO accused the middle managers of running around like headless chickens instead of implementing a coherent strategy.
- Before the conference, the organisers were constantly running around, putting out metaphorical fires.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dog excitedly RUNNING AROUND its owner in circles. The image captures the hurried, energetic, and often circular/unproductive motion of the phrase.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEING BUSY IS RAPID MOTION; WASTING TIME IS MOVING IN CIRCLES.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a direct word-for-word translation like 'бегать вокруг'. This suggests running *around* a single object. Use 'бегать туда-сюда', 'носиться', or 'суетиться' to capture the chaotic, multi-directional movement.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with the noun 'runaround' (e.g., 'give someone the runaround', meaning to avoid giving a straight answer).
- Using 'run about' in American English where 'run around' is expected.
- Using it in a formal written context where it is too informal.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the phrase 'run around' in the sentence: 'He's just running you around; he has no intention of paying.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily informal and conversational. It is not typically used in formal written documents.
There is little difference in meaning. 'Run about' is slightly more common in British English, while 'run around' is standard in American English and very common in British English.
Yes, in a separable way. For example: 'I had to run the guests around to see the sights.' (Object: 'the guests').
It means to be very busy but achieving little or nothing, often due to confusion or poor organisation.