1 B1 neutral
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?"
inseparable
go about
B1 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To approach or deal with a task in a particular way; or to move around doing ordinary activities.
In plain English
To do something in a certain way, or to go around doing your normal everyday things.
What does "go about" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
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)
inseparable
3 B2 neutral
To move or travel around a place.
"Word went about the village that the old factory was going to close."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To go (move) about (around) — mostly transparent.
Actually means
To do something in a certain way, or to go around doing your normal everyday things.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "go about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
business task problem life day work
How to conjugate "go about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
go about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes about
he/she/it
Past simple
went about
yesterday
Past participle
gone about
have + pp
-ing form
going about
continuous
Hear "go about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "go about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.