1 A2 informal
To be physically present in a place or nearby and available.
"Is your dad around? I need to ask him something."
be around
A2 informal intransitive
To be present in a place or available; to exist or remain in use over a period of time.
In plain English
To be somewhere nearby, available, or still existing.
What does "be around" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To continue to exist, be in use, or be relevant over a period of time.
"This technology has been around for decades and shows no sign of becoming obsolete."
3 B1 idiomatic informal
To be emotionally or practically available to support someone.
"She was always around whenever I needed someone to talk to."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To be in the area around a particular place — transparent.
Actually means
To be somewhere nearby, available, or still existing.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday spoken English. Can refer to physical presence, emotional availability, or the continued existence of something over time. 'Around' can be replaced with 'about' in British English with no change in meaning.
Words that pair with "be around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
long still always somewhere anyone forever
How to conjugate "be around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
be around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
is around
he/she/it
Past simple
was/were around
yesterday
Past participle
been around
have + pp
-ing form
being around
continuous
Hear "be around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "be around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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