go about to
C1 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To try to do something, or to be just about to do it (old-fashioned way of saying it).
Literal meaning: To go about (set out) in order to (do something).
Meanings
1 C1 formal
To attempt or prepare to do something (archaic).
"He went about to explain his reasons, but no one would listen."
"Why go ye about to kill me?"
— King James Bible, John 7:19
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
This form is essentially obsolete in modern English. It appears in Early Modern English texts, including the King James Bible. ESL learners will encounter it in literary or historical reading but should not use it in everyday language.
Commonly used with
do say prove show establish
Forms
Base
go about to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes about to
he/she/it
Past simple
went about to
yesterday
Past participle
gone about to
have + pp
-ing form
going about to
continuous
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