Phrasal verb
shop around
Definition
phrasal verb. to visit different stores or websites to compare prices and quality before you buy something. You do this to make sure you get the best deal.
phrasal verb. to compare the price and quality of goods or services from different providers before making a purchase. The verb is primarily intransitive and functions as a consumer strategy for price optimization.
Examples
“You should shop around before you buy a new phone.”
“Instead of buying the first laptop he saw, he decided to shop around to find a better deal.”
“In a highly competitive insurance market, consumers are increasingly encouraged to shop around to secure the most advantageous premiums and comprehensive coverage.”
Examples
simple
“You should shop around before you buy a new phone.”
contextual
“Instead of buying the first laptop he saw, he decided to shop around to find a better deal.”
complex
“In a highly competitive insurance market, consumers are increasingly encouraged to shop around to secure the most advantageous premiums and comprehensive coverage.”
Usage
usually used as an intransitive verb or followed by the preposition 'for' plus the item.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'window shopping', which implies looking without the intention to buy; 'shop around' implies a serious intent to purchase at the best price.
Pitfall
I shopped around the car.
I shopped around for the car.
the verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'for' to link to the item being sought.
Phrasal verb
Particles
around
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
shop + around
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.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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