Hurry vs Look at him dashing about

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Hurry

Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb

Look at him dashing about

InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: HurryMost common: Hurry
 HurryLook at him dashing about
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈhʌri/","/ˈhʌriz/","/ˈhʌrid/","/ˈhʌriɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhɜːri/","/ˈhɜːriz/","/ˈhɜːrid/","/ˈhɜːriɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //lʊk æt hɪm ˈdæʃɪŋ əˈbaʊt//🇺🇸 //lʊk æt hɪm ˈdæʃɪŋ əˈbaʊt//
MeaningTo go fast or make someone go fast.To run or move quickly and playfully.
ExampleYou need to hurry if you want to catch the bus.Look at him dashing about the playground with a big smile!
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB1-
Part of speechverb
Collocationshurry up, in a hurry, hurry home, hurry along, hurry to finishlook at, dashing about, moving quickly, playful energy, running around
Antonymsdelay, slow, pause-
Common mistakesConfusing 'hurry' with 'rush' in different contexts., Using 'hurry' without an object when one is needed., Mispronouncing 'hurry' as if it has two syllables.Confused with 'dash' as a noun., Incorrectly using 'look' without 'at'., Overusing the phrase in formal contexts.
Usage notesUse 'hurry' when you need to act quickly. It's suitable for all types of communication but avoid it in very formal contexts.This phrase is best used in casual conversations. It conveys a playful or energetic action and may not be appropriate in formal writing.

See it in real clips

Hurry
Look at him dashing about

Frequently asked questions: Hurry vs Look at him dashing about

What's the difference between Hurry and Look at him dashing about?

Hurry: To go fast or make someone go fast. Look at him dashing about: To run or move quickly and playfully.

Which is more formal: Hurry and Look at him dashing about?

Hurry is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Hurry and Look at him dashing about?

Hurry is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Hurry: You need to hurry if you want to catch the bus. Look at him dashing about: Look at him dashing about the playground with a big smile!

Can I use Hurry and Look at him dashing about interchangeably?

Not always. Hurry and Look at him dashing about are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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