What Does “Call around sth” Mean?
“Call around sth” means to make several phone calls to different people or places to find information, prices, or availability about something.
Introduction
The phrase “call around sth” is often used when someone wants to check multiple options by phone before making a decision. This can involve calling different shops, offices, or contacts to gather information about a product, service, or event. Understanding the “call around sth meaning” helps learners use it confidently in everyday situations, especially when planning or comparing choices. It is a practical phrasal verb in both personal and professional contexts.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: call around something
- Type: transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to phone several places or people to get information
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Call around” is a separable phrasal verb, meaning you can place the object (something) between “call” and “around,” or after the whole phrase.
- Call around something
- Call something around
However, in everyday usage, it is more common to say “call around something” rather than separating the verb and particle.
How to Use “Call around sth”?
You use “call around” when you want to describe the action of contacting several people or places by phone to gather information. It is often followed by a noun that represents what you are inquiring about, such as a product, service, or event.
Example: “I need to call around the stores to find the best price.”
It can also be used in questions or negatives:
- Have you called around the hotels yet?
- I haven’t called around the suppliers this week.
Examples
- I called around the car dealerships to find a good deal.
- She called around the restaurants to book a table for her party.
- We should call around the local shops before buying the new computer.
- They called around the repair services to see who could fix the air conditioner fastest.
- Call around the travel agencies to compare holiday packages.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: I call around for the prices.
Correct: I call around the shops for the prices. - Incorrect: She called around to the stores.
Correct: She called around the stores. - Incorrect: We call around about the event.
Correct: We called around the event venues.
Differences / Synonyms
Call around vs. ring around: Both mean to phone several places, but “call around” is more common in American English, while “ring around” is often used in British English.
Call around vs. check around: “Check around” can mean looking or asking around in person or by phone, while “call around” specifically means making phone calls.
Common Collocations
- Call around the shops
- Call around the suppliers
- Call around the restaurants
- Call around the offices
- Call around the hotels
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of call around sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: I want to buy a new phone, but I’m not sure where to get the best price.
Ben: Why don’t you call around the stores first? You might find a good deal.
Anna: That’s a good idea. I’ll call around the shops this afternoon and compare prices.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase:
Before buying a new car, I need to _______ the dealerships to find the best offer.
- a) call around
- b) call up
- c) call off
Answer: a) call around
FAQs
- What does “call around sth” mean? It means to phone several places or people to get information about something.
- Is “call around” formal or informal? It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Can I say “call around for something”? Usually, you say “call around something,” not “call around for.”
- Is “call around” separable? Yes, but it is more common to keep the object after the whole phrase.
- What are synonyms of “call around”? Synonyms include “ring around” and “check around,” depending on the context.