What are the definitions of “wheel around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Turn quickly and face in the opposite direction.
When he heard the whistle, he WHEELED AROUND to see what was happening.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wheel around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wheel around is to turn quickly and face in the opposite direction. It is often used to describe a sudden change in direction or focus, usually in response to a sound or event.
What are the different verb forms of “wheel around”?
| Root Verb | wheel around |
| Third Person Singular Present | wheels around |
| Present Participle | wheeling around |
| Simple Past | wheeled around |
| Past Participle | wheeled around |
Example
The cat wheeled around when it heard a noise.
Example
She wheels around when someone calls her name.
Example
He is wheeling around to see what's happening behind him.
Example
The dog wheeled around when it heard the doorbell.
Example
Startled by the sound, he wheeled around to face the source.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wheel 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
“wheel 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 bird wheeled around in the sky.
Example
She wheeled around when she heard her name.
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
“wheel 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 bird wheeled around in the sky.
Example
She wheeled around when she heard her name.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wheel around”?
Good things to know
Does “wheel around” have an informal or formal tone?
Wheel around is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or speech, depending on the specific context.
