What does the phrasal verb “go around” mean?

What are the definitions of “go around”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Circulate.

  A rumour is GOING AROUND about the Attorney General.

• 2. Be or have enough of something.

  There aren't enough jobs to GO AROUND for the numbers of people graduating nowadays.

• 3. Visit.

  I WENT AROUND for dinner at their house.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go around”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go around is to circulate or spread. It is often used when talking about news, rumors, or information that is being shared among a group of people.

What are the different verb forms of “go around”?

Root Verb	go around
Third Person Singular Present	goes around
Present Participle	going around
Simple Past	went around
Past Participle	gone around

Example

The flu virus is going around the school.

Example

A rumor goes around the office quickly.

Example

There is a strange story going around about the new student.

Example

The news went around the town in no time.

Example

The rumor has gone around the entire school.

What kind of phrasal verb is “go around”?

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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 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

The news about the concert is going around.

Example

A cold has been going around the office.

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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 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

The news about the concert is going around.

Example

A cold has been going around the office.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go around”?

Go around in circles

To keep doing or talking about the same thing without achieving anything

Example

We've been going around in circles trying to solve this problem.

What goes around comes around

The consequences of one's actions will have to be dealt with eventually.

Example

He cheated on his exams and was eventually caught. What goes around comes around.

Have enough to go around

To have sufficient amounts of something for everyone present.

Example

Don't worry, there's plenty of food to go around.

Good things to know

Does “go around” have an informal or formal tone?

Go around is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in informal speech and writing. For example, in a formal report, one might use 'circulate' or 'spread' instead of go around.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “go around”?

Synonyms

• circulate
• spread
• disseminate
• distribute
• propagate
• travel
• move
• pass

Antonyms

• collect
• gather
• hold
• keep
• retain
• stay
• stop
• cease