# move about

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/move-about
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to change your position or travel from place to place, often within a small area.

For teachers: to change position or location frequently; often used intransitively to describe physical activity or mobility within a confined space.

## Examples

- The doctor told me to move about to help my leg heal.
- It is difficult to move about in this crowded office because the desks are so close together.
- The patient's ability to move about independently has improved significantly following several weeks of intensive physical therapy and daily exercise.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is moving about the chair." but "He is moving about in his chair." — when 'move about' refers to movement within a specific object or area, a preposition like 'in' or 'within' is usually needed unless 'about' is acting as the preposition itself.

## Usage notes

- often used when talking about physical health, travel, or space constraints.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'move' (a single change of location) and 'move around' (often used interchangeably, though 'move about' can feel slightly more British or formal).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.