throw about: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Moderately CommonInformal
Quick answer
What does “throw about” mean?
To scatter or distribute something carelessly or in various directions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To scatter or distribute something carelessly or in various directions.
To mention or discuss ideas, accusations, etc., casually or frequently; to waste resources recklessly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, 'throw around' is frequently used instead of 'throw about' for metaphorical senses like discussing ideas. 'Throw about' is more common in British English.
Connotations
Both variants carry connotations of carelessness or informality.
Frequency
'Throw about' is prevalent in British English; 'throw around' is more frequent in American English, though both are understood.
Grammar
How to Use “throw about” in a Sentence
Transitive with object: subject + throw about + objectVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “throw about” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tends to throw about his money when he's at the pub.
- Don't throw about accusations without proper evidence.
American English
- He likes to throw around cash at fancy restaurants.
- She threw around some innovative concepts during the brainstorm.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe reckless spending or casual discussion of strategies, e.g., 'throwing about funds in mergers.'
Academic
Rare; more common in informal discourse or humanities discussing metaphorical language.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation about wasting resources or talking loosely, e.g., 'throwing about gossip.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts; prefers precise terms like 'distribute' or 'dissipate.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “throw about”
- Using 'throw about' in formal writing where 'discuss casually' or 'scatter' might be better.
- Confusing it with 'throw around,' which is more common in American English for metaphorical uses.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally informal and more suitable for casual speech or writing.
Yes, it can describe physically scattering objects, but it is more commonly used metaphorically for actions like wasting money or discussing ideas casually.
'Throw around' is often preferred in American English, especially for metaphorical uses like tossing ideas, while 'throw about' is more frequent in British English, though they are largely interchangeable.
Use it in informal contexts, ensure the object is something that can be scattered or wasted, and be mindful of regional preferences like 'throw around' in American English.
To scatter or distribute something carelessly or in various directions.
Throw about: in British English it is pronounced /θrəʊ əˈbaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /θroʊ əˈbaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “throw one's weight about”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine throwing coins about the room—it's wasteful and careless, just like the meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
WASTEFUL ACTION IS PHYSICAL THROWING; CASUAL COMMUNICATION IS SCATTERING OBJECTS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary implication of 'throw about'?