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Phrasal verbs "fly about" vs "fly around"

Differences between fly about and fly around

Fly about and fly around are very similar phrasal verbs that mean to move or travel through the air. However, fly about is often used to describe movement in a more scattered or disorganized way, while fly around is used to describe movement in a more purposeful or directed way.

Meanings and Definitions: fly about vs fly around

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Fly about

  • 1Circulate ( rumours, etc ).

    The rumour has been FLYING ABOUT for the past week, but no one has confirmed it.

Fly around

  • 1Circulate ( rumours, etc ).

    There are a lot of stories FLYING AROUND about her past.

Usage Examples: fly about, fly around in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

fly about

Example

The news of the company's success is flying about the office.

Example

The gossip flies about the school quickly.

fly around

Example

Rumors about the new project are flying around the office.

Example

The news about the promotion flies around quickly.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fly about

flutter around

To move quickly and lightly through the air, often in a random or disorganized way.

Example

The butterflies were fluttering around the garden, landing on flowers and plants.

flit about

To move quickly and lightly through the air, often in a nervous or restless way.

Example

She was flitting about the room, trying to find her lost keys.

whirl around

To spin or rotate quickly around a central point or axis.

Example

The leaves were whirling around in the wind, creating a beautiful autumn scene.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fly around

buzz around

To move quickly and energetically around a space, often with a specific purpose or goal.

Example

The bees were buzzing around the hive, collecting nectar and pollen.

circle around

To move in a circular or looping path around a central point or object.

Example

The plane was circling around the airport, waiting for clearance to land.

zip around

To move quickly and efficiently around a space, often with a sense of urgency or purpose.

Example

He was zipping around the kitchen, preparing dinner for his guests.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “fly”

Differences in fly about vs fly around: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: fly about or fly around?

Both fly about and fly around are commonly used in everyday conversation, but fly around is slightly more common. This is because it's often used to describe specific actions or movements, such as flying around a city or flying around a room to clean it up. Fly about, on the other hand, is used more generally to describe movement without a specific destination or purpose.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of fly about and fly around

Both fly about and fly around are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday conversations with friends and family. They may not be appropriate in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, where more formal language is expected.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of fly about and fly around

The tone of fly about and fly around can differ based on context. Fly about often carries a more casual or relaxed tone, while fly around can carry a more energetic or focused tone, especially when describing purposeful movement.

fly about & fly around: Synonyms and Antonyms

Fly about

Antonyms

Fly around

Antonyms

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