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.
Some people go around criticising others without considering the impact of their words, which can damage workplace morale.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: You can't go around to say things like that.
Say: You can't go around saying things like that.
This sense takes '-ing', not 'to + verb', and it carries criticism.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'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 + -ing
- saying
- telling people
- claiming
- acting like
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- go around (circulate) — 'go around' also has the more basic meaning 'circulate'; this is the advanced sense.