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go around — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings
go around
1circulate2be enough for everyone3behave habitually

Meaning 1 · most common

circulate

  • go around sth

to move from person to person or place to place, often spreading information, news, or an object.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

There’s a rumor going around that our teacher is leaving.

A: Did you hear what’s going around about the new manager?
B: Yeah, everyone’s talking about it.

Common mistake

Not: A rumour went around to everyone.

Say: A rumour went around.

'Go around' already implies it spread to people. Don't add 'to everyone'.

More on “circulate”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my school, important announcements usually go around quickly because students share them on social media.

Tell it apart

There's a nasty cold going around.

  • spreading person to person

There isn't enough to go around.

  • enough for everyone

Goes with

  • go around
Practice saying this
Next meaning: be enough for everyone

Meaning 2

be enough for everyone

  • go around for/to sb

to be enough of something for all the people in a group.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

There wasn’t enough cake to go around, so some people didn’t get any.

A: Do we have enough chairs for everyone?
B: I think so—there should be plenty to go around.

Common mistake

Not: There isn't enough food to go around for everyone.

Say: There isn't enough food to go around.

'To go around' already means 'for everyone'. Don't add 'for everyone'.

More on “be enough for everyone”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During the festival, the organizers made sure there was enough food to go around for all the guests.

Tell it apart

There aren't enough seats to go around.

  • enough for all

A rumour went around the office.

  • spread person to person

Goes with

  • enough + to go around
Practice saying this
Next meaning: behave habitually

Meaning 3

behave habitually

  • go around sth
  • informal

to repeatedly behave in a particular way, especially one that is annoying, inappropriate, or disapproved of.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

He goes around telling everyone how busy he is, but he never seems to get anything done.

A: Why is everyone annoyed with Tom lately?
B: He goes around acting like he knows everything. It's starting to get on people's nerves.

Common mistake

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.

More on “behave habitually”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Some people go around criticising others without considering the impact of their words, which can damage workplace morale.

Tell it apart

He goes around telling everyone he's the boss.

  • does it habitually — critical

News went around the office.

  • circulated

Goes with

  • go around + -ing
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circulatebe enough for everyonebehave habitually