What does the phrasal verb “run around” mean?

What are the definitions of “run around”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Be very busy doing many things.

  I'm exhausted- I've been RUNNING AROUND all day.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb run around is to be very busy doing many things, often in a hurried or chaotic manner. It usually implies that someone is trying to complete multiple tasks or errands in a short amount of time.

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

Root Verb	run around
Third Person Singular Present	runs around
Present Participle	running around
Simple Past	ran around
Past Participle	run around

Example

I always run around when I have a lot of errands to do.

Example

She runs around all day taking care of her children.

Example

He is running around trying to finish his work before the deadline.

Example

Yesterday, they ran around the city looking for the perfect gift.

Example

I have run around so much today that I am exhausted.

What kind of phrasal verb is “run 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

“run 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

She ran around all day preparing for the party.

Example

He ran around the office trying to find the missing documents.

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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

“run 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

She ran around all day preparing for the party.

Example

He ran around the office trying to find the missing documents.

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

Run around in circles

To be very busy but not making any progress or achieving anything.

Example

I feel like I'm running around in circles trying to solve this problem.

Run around with

To spend time with a particular group of people, often with a negative connotation.

Example

He's been running around with a bad crowd lately, and it's affecting his behavior.

Give someone the runaround

To avoid giving someone a direct answer or to make it difficult for someone to get the information they need.

Example

I called customer service, but they just gave me the runaround and didn't solve my issue.

Good things to know

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

Run around is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. However, in very formal situations, it might be more appropriate to use synonyms like 'busy' or 'occupied' instead.

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

Synonyms

• busy
• occupied
• rush
• hurry
• scramble
• bustle
• hustle

Antonyms

• relax
• rest
• unwind
• loaf
• lounge
• chill