hand around
A2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To give something to everyone in a group, one person at a time.
Literal meaning: To hand something to people arranged around a group.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To offer or distribute something to each person in a group, one by one.
"Could you hand around these worksheets while I write the instructions on the board?"
Grammar: separable
2 A2 neutral
To pass something around a group so each person can see or take it.
"She handed around photographs of her holiday for everyone to look at."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Used in both British and American English. Very common in social and professional contexts. Also spelled 'hand round' in British English. The items handed around are typically things to eat, drink, look at, or read.
Commonly used with
drinks photos documents leaflets snacks copies
Forms
Base
hand around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hands around
he/she/it
Past simple
handed around
yesterday
Past participle
handed around
have + pp
-ing form
handing around
continuous
Understand "hand around" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "hand around" on Looplines