In a roundabout way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In a roundabout way" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a method of communication or explanation that is indirect or not straightforward. Example: "She explained her feelings in a roundabout way, making it difficult for him to understand her true intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In a roundabout way, it's about you.

The Guardian

In a roundabout way, it gave me a play.

The Guardian - Books

In a roundabout way, I'd argue, this proves my point.

The New York Times

In a roundabout way, film does affect our health.

The Guardian - Film

In a roundabout way, the Aliens are the alpha to the Beta Band's omega.

The Guardian - Music

In a roundabout way Ballet Theater's artist in residence, Alexei Ratmansky, gave her confidence.

The New York Times - Arts

In a roundabout way, this, indeed, was the object and meaning of de Gaulle's Russian visit.

The New Yorker

In a roundabout way, it also offers a kind of key to "Amour".

The New York Times

In a roundabout way, the C.I.A. has been blamed for the Pakistan killings.

The New York Times

In a roundabout way, the book was an inspiration for Protestantism.

The Guardian - Books

In a roundabout way – is there any other way in a Richard Ford story?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In a roundabout way" to soften potentially blunt or direct statements. It allows you to introduce sensitive topics more gently.

Common error

Avoid using "In a roundabout way" excessively, as it can make your writing seem verbose or unclear. If directness is possible and appropriate, opt for a more straightforward approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In a roundabout way" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates that an action or process occurred indirectly or not in a straightforward manner. As stated by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. See the examples above for more context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "In a roundabout way" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating indirectness or a lack of straightforwardness. It is considered grammatically correct and usable in a wide variety of contexts, predominantly in news and media. The phrase is useful for softening statements or providing additional context as indicated by Ludwig AI. While offering nuance, writers should avoid overusing it to maintain clarity and avoid unnecessary verbosity. Some alternatives are "indirectly", "obliquely", or "by a circuitous route".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Indirectly

Focuses on the lack of a direct path or method.

Obliquely

Focuses on expressing something in an indirect way.

By a circuitous route

Emphasizes the winding or indirect path taken.

Not in a direct fashion

Explicitly negates directness, highlighting the alternative approach.

Circumlocutorily

Highlights the use of many words where fewer would do, emphasizing verbosity.

In a tortuous manner

Suggests a complex and potentially confusing or misleading route.

In a meandering fashion

Highlights the lack of a clear or straight path.

By implication

Suggests that something is understood without being directly stated.

In a subtle manner

Emphasizes the delicacy and indirectness of the approach.

Tangentially

Indicates a connection that is not central or directly relevant.

FAQs

What does "In a roundabout way" mean?

The phrase "In a roundabout way" means indirectly or not in a straightforward manner. It suggests a circuitous or indirect approach to a topic or action.

How can I use "In a roundabout way" in a sentence?

You can use "In a roundabout way" to describe how something was achieved or explained. For example, "She found out about the job "in a roundabout way" through a friend of a friend."

What are some alternatives to "In a roundabout way"?

Alternatives include "indirectly", "obliquely", or "by a circuitous route". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be direct or to explain something "In a roundabout way"?

The best approach depends on the situation. Directness is often preferred for clarity and efficiency. However, "In a roundabout way" can be useful when tact or sensitivity is required, or when providing background information to help someone understand the full picture.