Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Go About': Meaning and Usage

Welcome, English learners! Phrasal verbs can be tricky, but mastering them is key to sounding more natural. Today, we're diving deep into one such useful phrasal verb: go about. Understanding how to go about using this phrase correctly will significantly improve your English fluency. We'll explore the various meanings of go about, look at its grammatical structures, discover synonyms, and test your knowledge. By the end of this post, you'll have a clearer picture of how to effectively incorporate go about into your everyday conversations and writing.

Table of Contents

• What Does Go About Mean?
• Structure with Go About
• Related Phrases and Synonyms
• Practice Time!
• Conclusion

What Does Go About Mean?

The phrasal verb go about is a versatile expression in English, primarily used to describe the way someone starts or continues to do something, or how they handle a particular task or situation. It often implies a method or specific approach to an activity. Understanding the meaning of go about is crucial for using it correctly in different contexts, as it can subtly change the emphasis of your sentence. Essentially, when you go about something, you are in the process of doing or dealing with it.

More:

Structure with Go About

To truly grasp how to use go about, it's essential to understand its common grammatical structures, which can vary slightly depending on the intended meaning. This phrasal verb is generally transitive, meaning it usually requires an object (what one is going about). Let's explore the main structures associated with the different meanings of go about.

Meaning 1: To begin or deal with (a task or problem)

This is perhaps the most common usage of go about. It refers to the manner or method you employ to start or continue an activity, or how you approach solving a problem. Using go about here often suggests a degree of thoughtfulness or a specific strategy being considered or implemented. It's not just doing something, but how one approaches the doing of it. This is a key aspect when you learn phrasal verbs like this one, as it highlights procedure and methodology.

• Structure 1a: Subject + go about + gerund (verb-ing) + (optional additional information)

  • This structure emphasizes the action or process itself. It's very useful when discussing methods or procedures for tackling something.
  • Example 1: "She needs to decide how she will go about redecorating her apartment; she's considering several styles and budgets."
  • Example 2: "He wasn't sure how to go about asking for a raise, so he sought advice from a mentor and prepared his arguments carefully."

• Structure 1b: Subject + go about + noun phrase (referring to the task or problem)

  • This structure emphasizes the thing being tackled. It's direct and often used when the task or issue is clearly defined.
  • Example 1: "How should we go about this complex project to ensure its success within the deadline and allocated resources?"
  • Example 2: "The team immediately went about the task of cleaning up after the event, working efficiently together to restore order."

Understanding how to use go about in this context can make your descriptions of problem-solving and task management more precise and nuanced, adding a layer of sophistication to your English.

Meaning 2: To move from place to place; to circulate (news, rumors, or people)

This meaning refers to movement or circulation. It can describe people physically moving around an area, or, very commonly, information (like news, stories, or rumors) spreading among a group of people. There's often a sense of things moving somewhat unchanneled or organically when information is said to go about. This meaning can also extend to how one generally moves or is seen in a place.

• Structure 2a: Subject + go about + (optional adverb/prepositional phrase of place)

  • This is often used for people moving around, sometimes without a fixed, singular destination but rather an area of movement or regular presence.
  • Example 1: "The children were happily going about the park, playing hide and seek among the trees and bushes."
  • Example 2: "He often goes about town on his new electric scooter, enjoying the sights and the fresh air."

• Structure 2b: Subject (often 'rumors', 'news', 'stories') + go about + (that...)

  • This is typically used for information circulating, often implying it's spreading informally or through unofficial channels.
  • Example 1: "A strange story is going about concerning his sudden disappearance from the village last month."
  • Example 2: "Rumors went about that the manager was going to resign, causing some anxiety and speculation among staff members."

Meaning 3: To be busy or occupied with something; to conduct oneself or behave

This usage of go about implies being engaged in one's usual activities or behaving in a certain way, often routinely or without being distracted by external factors. It can also describe a general manner of dressing or presenting oneself, reflecting a habitual state or appearance.

• Structure 3a: Subject + go about + one's business / work / daily tasks

  • This implies focusing on one's responsibilities or routine, often with a sense of diligence or normalcy, even in unusual circumstances. It suggests continuing with what needs to be done.
  • Example 1: "Despite the interruption from the construction noise outside, she calmly went about her business at her desk, focusing on her report."
  • Example 2: "The farmers go about their work from dawn till dusk, tending to the land and animals with unwavering dedication."

• Structure 3b: Subject + go about + adverbial phrase of manner / dressed in... / looking...

  • This describes how someone generally behaves, carries themselves, or presents themselves in terms of appearance on a regular basis.
  • Example 1: "He goes about with a cheerful attitude, always smiling and greeting people warmly wherever he is."
  • Example 2: "She goes about elegantly dressed, even for casual outings to the local market or a walk in the park."

Understanding these different structures and nuances will help you use go about more accurately and confidently. Many phrasal verb examples you encounter will fall into one of these patterns, and recognizing them is a great step to master English phrasal verbs and their application in real-world communication.

Related Phrases and Synonyms

While go about is a useful phrasal verb, English often provides multiple ways to express similar ideas. Knowing synonyms can enrich your vocabulary and help you understand nuances between different phrasal verbs and single-word verbs. Here are some synonyms and related phrases for the different meanings of go about:

Using these alternatives can add variety to your speech and writing, and help you learn phrasal verbs by comparing their usage with more formal or direct verbs. For instance, instead of always saying "how to go about a task," you might sometimes say "how to tackle a task" if it's challenging, or "how to approach a task" when focusing on the method, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Practice Time!

Now that we've explored the meanings and structures of go about, let's put your knowledge to the test! Choose the best option for each question.

Question 1: Which sentence best describes someone starting a difficult task? a) He is going about the town.

b) She is unsure how to go about fixing the leaky faucet.

c) News is going about that the shop is closing.

d) They go about their daily chores without complaint.

Correct answer: b

Question 2: "Rumors are ________ that the company is planning a merger." Which phrasal verb fits best? a) going up

b) going about

c) going on

d) going over

Correct answer: b

Question 3: What is the primary meaning of "go about" in the sentence: "The detective had to decide how to go about investigating the complex case."? a) To circulate or move around.

b) To be dressed in a particular way.

c) To begin or deal with a task/problem.

d) To continue an old habit.

Correct answer: c

Question 4: "Despite the noise, the students calmly ______ their studies." Choose the correct completion. a) went about to

b) went about for

c) went about

d) went about with

Correct answer: c

These questions should help solidify your understanding of go about and its common uses. Review the explanations if any of these were tricky! Consistent practice with phrasal verb examples is key.

Conclusion

Understanding and correctly using the phrasal verb go about is a valuable step in your journey to English fluency. As we've seen, it has several key meanings related to approaching tasks, circulation of news or people, and conducting one's daily activities or behavior, each with specific structural nuances. The key to mastering English phrasal verbs like go about is consistent exposure and practice. Don't be afraid to use it in your conversations and writing. The more you practice, the more natural it will become, helping you learn phrasal verbs effectively and communicate with greater precision and confidence. Keep up the great work in your English studies!