Phrasal verb
be around
To be around means to be present, nearby, or available.
Meanings
to be present in a place; nearby
to be available (to talk, help, or do something) at a particular time
Definition
If someone is around, they are in the area and not far away. It can also mean they are available to help, talk, or do something. People often use it in casual speech when they are not stating an exact location or time.
Examples
- I’ll be around after lunch if you want to go for a walk.
- Are you going to be around this evening to help me move the chairs?
- He wasn’t around when the delivery arrived.
- She said she’d be around in case anyone had questions.
- They’ll be around the office tomorrow morning.
Common mistake
Learners often say "I am around here" when they mean availability; more natural is "I’ll be around" or "I’m around" without "here."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.