go about
To do something in a certain way, or to go around doing your normal everyday things.
Meanings
To approach or deal with a task or problem in a particular way.
"How do you go about applying for a work visa in this country?"
To move around doing one's everyday activities, often without being noticed.
"Despite the media attention, she went about her daily routine as if nothing had changed."
"He went about his business quietly, as he always had."
— Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises (paraphrased narrative style)
To move or travel around a place.
"Word went about the village that the old factory was going to close."
Used in two main senses: (1) how you do something ('how do you go about this?') and (2) continuing with daily life ('going about her business'). Sense 1 is very common in questions and instructions. Nautical use (tacking) is specialised.
Commonly used with
Forms
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