Re: [Dacco-users] about and around

[Linda O. <cat...@gm...>]

On 23/10/2007, Lou Hevly <xy...@vi...> wrote:
> I've read that there is a general tendency to use "about" in BrE and
> "around" in AmE.  On the other hand, there are expressions of the same
> type that only seem to be used with "around":
>
> ask around, drive around, shop around, fool around, joke around, show
> around
> So, first, are these "around only" verbs used in BrE?  Are they indeed
> "around only" or can they be used with "about" as well?  Or perhaps
> "round"?

We would appear to have a difference of opinion in our house on this
one.  For me, all of the above work either with 'around' or 'about'
though I confess I would be much more likely to use 'around'.  James
thinks they all sound a bit odd with 'about' and claims he would never
say them.  Of course, from now on, I'll be listening intently to
everything James says - which will be a first - just waiting to hear
one slip out so I can pounce on him ;-)  It could be a 'north / south'
thing I guess, I'm not sure.


-- 
Purutia iho too wheke! - Restrain your octopus!