English Reference

Phrasal verb

move around

Definition

phrasal verb. to go from one place to another or to change your position often. You use this when you do not want to stay in one spot for a long time.

phrasal verb. To travel or change location frequently; to be physically active or mobile rather than stationary. This phrasal verb is typically intransitive in this sense.

Examples

“It is healthy to move around for a few minutes every hour.”

“Having lived in six different countries, she is very used to moving around and starting over.”

“While some species remain in a single territory, others move around constantly to exploit fluctuating food resources across the tundra.”

Examples

simple

“It is healthy to move around for a few minutes every hour.”

contextual

“Having lived in six different countries, she is very used to moving around and starting over.”

complex

“While some species remain in a single territory, others move around constantly to exploit fluctuating food resources across the tundra.”

Usage

Usually functions as an intransitive verb to describe general physical activity or frequent travel.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'move' to show that 'move around' suggests multiple changes of position or a lack of a fixed destination.

Pitfall

I am moving around to a new house next week.

I am moving to a new house next week.

'Move around' implies frequent or continuous motion, whereas 'move' is used for a single change of residence.

Phrasal verb

Particles

around

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

move + around

Synonyms

wanderroamcirculatetravel

Antonyms

stay stillsettleremain

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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