1 A2 neutral
To visit or contact multiple stores or sellers to compare prices before buying something
"You should shop around before buying a new laptop — prices vary a lot between retailers."
shop around
A2 neutral intransitive
To compare prices, options, or offers from different sources before making a decision
In plain English
To go to lots of different shops or look at lots of different options to find the best one
What does "shop around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To explore and compare options (jobs, universities, service providers, partners) before committing to one
"Don't accept the first job offer you get — shop around and see what else is out there."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To go to multiple shops and look around — transparent
Actually means
To go to lots of different shops or look at lots of different options to find the best one
Usage tip
Very common in everyday English. Used both literally (visiting shops) and figuratively (comparing service providers, employers, universities, etc.). Advising someone to 'shop around' is always well-intentioned.
Words that pair with "shop around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
price deal mortgage insurance loan supplier
How to conjugate "shop around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
shop around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shops around
he/she/it
Past simple
shoped around
yesterday
Past participle
shoped around
have + pp
-ing form
shoping around
continuous
Hear "shop around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "shop around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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