What are the definitions of “go about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Deal with something.
How should I GO ABOUT telling her the bad news?
- 2Circulate.
A rumour is GOING ABOUT involving the Attorney General.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go about is to start to do or deal with something. It is often used when we want to know the correct or best way to do something. For example, you might ask 'How do I go about applying for a job?' when you want to know the steps to apply for a job.
What are the different verb forms of “go about”?
| Root Verb | go about |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes about |
| Present Participle | going about |
| Simple Past | went about |
| Past Participle | gone about |
Example
How should I go about telling her the bad news?
Example
She goes about her work with a lot of enthusiasm.
Example
He is going about his daily routine as usual.
Example
Yesterday, they went about their tasks in a very organized manner.
Example
The project was gone about in a systematic way.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go about”?
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
“go about” 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
A rumour is going about involving the Attorney General.
Example
He went about his work as if nothing had happened.
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
“go about” 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
A rumour is going about involving the Attorney General.
Example
He went about his work as if nothing had happened.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go about”?
Good things to know
Does “go about” have an informal or formal tone?
Go about is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In a formal setting, you might use it to ask about the correct procedure for doing something, like 'How should I go about submitting this report?'. In an informal setting, you might use it to ask a friend for advice, like 'How should I go about asking her on a date?'.
