What are the definitions of “zip around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Move quickly.
We ZIPPED AROUND the supermarket to get the shopping done.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “zip around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb zip around is to move quickly from one place to another. It is often used to describe someone who is moving fast or doing something quickly.
What are the different verb forms of “zip around”?
| Root Verb | zip around |
| Third Person Singular Present | zips around |
| Present Participle | zipping around |
| Simple Past | zipped around |
| Past Participle | zipped around |
Example
I always zip around the city on my bike.
Example
She zips around the office when she's in a hurry.
Example
He is zipping around the park on his skateboard.
Example
Yesterday, they zipped around the mall to finish their shopping.
Example
The delivery driver zipped around the neighborhood to make all the deliveries on time.
What kind of phrasal verb is “zip around”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“zip around” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The kids zipped around the playground.
Example
The hummingbird zipped around the flowers.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“zip around” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The kids zipped around the playground.
Example
The hummingbird zipped around the flowers.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “zip around”?
Zip around town
Move quickly through a town or city, often to run errands or visit multiple places.
Example
She zipped around town to finish all her errands before the party.
Zip around the house
Move quickly through a house, often to clean or complete tasks.
Example
He zipped around the house to tidy up before the guests arrived.
Zip around the internet
Browse or search the internet quickly, often to find information or visit multiple websites.
Example
I zipped around the internet to find the best deal on a new laptop.
Good things to know
Does “zip around” have an informal or formal tone?
Zip around is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It may not be suitable for very formal settings, where more formal alternatives like 'move quickly' or 'travel swiftly' might be preferred.
