What Does “Go around sb” Mean?
“Go around sb” means to move or travel in a path that avoids or bypasses someone, either physically or figuratively.
Introduction
The phrase “go around sb” is a common phrasal verb in English. It is used both literally and figuratively to describe the action of moving past or avoiding a person. For example, if there is someone blocking your way, you might “go around them” to get to your destination. In a figurative sense, it can mean to avoid dealing directly with someone, often to bypass or circumvent them. Understanding the “go around sb” meaning can help learners use this expression naturally in daily conversations and writing.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: go around somebody
- Type: Intransitive (literal), Transitive (figurative)
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to move past someone or avoid dealing directly with them
Structure (Grammar Rules)
The phrase “go around sb” is usually inseparable, meaning you cannot place the object between “go” and “around.” The common structure is:
- Go around + somebody
Example: “We had to go around the teacher to enter the classroom.”
It is not correct to say “go somebody around.”
How to Use “Go around sb”?
You use “go around sb” when describing physical movement, such as walking or driving past someone who is in your way. It can also be used figuratively to describe avoiding someone’s authority or bypassing their role. The context usually makes it clear whether the meaning is literal or figurative.
Examples
Here are some natural sentences using “go around sb” in different contexts:
- When the corridor was crowded, I had to go around the students to reach the exit.
- She tried to go around her manager by contacting the director directly.
- We decided to go around the lake instead of crossing it.
- It’s not polite to go around your teacher when you have a problem.
- To avoid the long queue, they went around the line and entered through the back door.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the word order or misuse “go around sb.” Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: I go John around to talk to him.
- Correct: I go around John to talk to him.
- Incorrect: She went around to him the question.
- Correct: She went around him to ask the question.
Remember, the object always comes after “go around.”
Differences / Synonyms
“Go around sb” is similar to phrases like “go past sb,” but there are subtle differences. “Go around” implies moving on a path that avoids the person, often by taking a longer or curved route. “Go past” means simply moving beyond someone, usually on a straight path. Another related phrase is “go by sb,” which focuses on passing near someone without necessarily avoiding them.
Common Collocations
Here are common words used with “go around” when referring to people or objects:
- Go around the corner: to move around a street corner
- Go around the crowd: to avoid a group of people
- Go around the obstacle: to bypass something blocking the way
- Go around the rules: to avoid following rules (figurative)
- Go around the manager: to bypass authority (figurative)
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of go around sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “go around sb”:
Anna: The hallway is so crowded today!
Ben: Yeah, I had to go around the group of students to get to class.
Anna: I wish they would move faster.
Ben: Me too. Next time, I’ll try to go around earlier to avoid the rush.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “go around sb”:
- We had to ________ the teacher to enter the room quietly.
- She didn’t want to talk to him, so she ________ him during the meeting.
- The car ________ the traffic jam by taking a side road.
- It’s not polite to ________ your boss when you have a problem.
FAQs
- Q: Can “go around sb” be used figuratively?
A: Yes, it can mean avoiding or bypassing someone’s authority or role. - Q: Is “go around sb” separable?
A: No, the object always comes after “go around.” - Q: What is the difference between “go around” and “go past”?
A: “Go around” means to avoid by taking a longer path, while “go past” means simply moving beyond someone. - Q: Can I say “go around him the question”?
A: No, the correct form is “go around him to ask the question.” - Q: What level of English is “go around sb” suitable for?
A: It is suitable for intermediate learners (B1 level).
