The phrasal verb 'call around' is predominantly used in informal contexts rather than formal ones, often found in everyday conversation and casual written communication rather than formal documents or academic writing. It describes the action of making phone calls to multiple places or people, typically to gather information, make arrangements, or find someone or something. For example, individuals might 'call around' to various stores to compare prices for a product, or to different friends to invite them to an event. This phrasal verb doesn't carry any significant emotional weight or idiomatic nuances, making its meaning fairly direct and understood in context. Usage may vary slightly, as 'call around' is more common in American English, while British English speakers might more commonly use similar phrasal verbs like 'ring around.'
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To phone several different people or places in order to get information or help.
I need to call around to find the best price for the car service.
She called around to see if anyone had seen her lost cat.
2. To contact multiple people by phone to make arrangements or organize an event.
We have to call around and find someone who can cater our party.
They called around to get enough volunteers for the charity event.