Phrasal verb
dart about
Definition
phrasal verb. to move quickly and suddenly from place to place, often changing direction. You use this to describe small animals or busy people moving around a space.
phrasal verb. To move rapidly and suddenly in various directions. This phrasal verb is intransitive and typically describes the erratic, high-speed movement of small creatures or energetic individuals.
Examples
“The small fish dart about in the garden pond.”
“Waiters dart about the busy dining room, balancing heavy trays while navigating through the crowd of hungry guests.”
“As the sun began to set, dozens of swallows started to dart about the eaves of the barn, catching insects in the fading light.”
Examples
simple
“The small fish dart about in the garden pond.”
contextual
“Waiters dart about the busy dining room, balancing heavy trays while navigating through the crowd of hungry guests.”
complex
“As the sun began to set, dozens of swallows started to dart about the eaves of the barn, catching insects in the fading light.”
Usage
Usually describes small, fast movements rather than long-distance travel.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'scurry' or 'crawl' to highlight the speed and suddenness of the movement; it is an excellent verb for adding energy to descriptive writing.
Phrasal verb
Particles
about
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
dart + about
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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