Meaning trap
go around
behave habitually
to repeatedly behave in a particular way, especially one that is annoying, inappropriate, or disapproved of.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to repeatedly behave in a particular way, especially one that is annoying, inappropriate, or disapproved of.
'go around' also has the more basic meaning 'circulate'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- He goes around telling everyone how busy he is, but he never seems to get anything done.behaviour
- Some people go around criticising others without considering the impact of their words, which can damage workplace morale.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: go around (doing something)
WrongYou can't go around to say things like that.
RightYou can't go around saying things like that.
This sense takes '-ing', not 'to + verb', and it carries criticism.
Patterngo around (doing something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Go around + -ing' naturally adds the disapproving 'keeps doing it' sense. The formal version loses the attitude.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
go around + -ingsayingtelling peopleclaimingacting like
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B1 sense 'circulate', which refers to physically moving or spreading something, this sense is figurative and focuses on someone's repeated behaviour or actions.
Related
- go around (circulate) — 'go around' also has the more basic meaning 'circulate'; this is the advanced sense.