What are the definitions of “call around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Visit.
I CALLED AROUND but she wasn't in.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “call around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb call around is to visit someone or a place, usually by making a phone call or stopping by in person. For example, it can mean calling or visiting friends, family, or neighbors.
What are the different verb forms of “call around”?
| Root Verb | call around |
| Third Person Singular Present | calls around |
| Present Participle | calling around |
| Simple Past | called around |
| Past Participle | called around |
Example
I will call around to see if anyone has seen my lost cat.
Example
She calls around to her friends every weekend to catch up.
Example
He is calling around to find a good plumber.
Example
Yesterday, they called around to invite people to their party.
Example
I have called around to all the local stores, but none of them have the item I need.
What kind of phrasal verb is “call around”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“call around” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I called around to see if anyone was home.
Example
She called around to find a babysitter.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“call around” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I called around to see if anyone was home.
Example
She called around to find a babysitter.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “call around”?
To contact multiple people or places to gather information or ask for help.
Example
I called around for information about the best schools in the area.
To contact multiple places to check if a product or service is available.
Example
I called around to check the availability of the new smartphone.
Good things to know
Does “call around” have an informal or formal tone?
Call around is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it may be more appropriate to use phrases like 'contact multiple people' or 'reach out to several sources' instead of using the phrasal verb call around.
