a lap around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lap around" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe completing a circuit or a round of a track, often in the context of running, racing, or a similar activity. Example: "After taking a lap around the track, I felt invigorated and ready to continue my workout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Travel

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clarkson auctioned a lap around the Top Gear track for £100,000 at the charity event at the Roundhouse in Camden.

The Guardian

He did a lap around the fountain.

The New York Times

Others stumbled onto the "Forty Part Motet" while doing a lap around the city museum circuit.

The New York Times

I drop my son off at playgroup and then run a lap around the forest.

The Guardian

Some like jumping rope, while others choose to take a lap around the arena.

The New York Times - Sports

"We all basically did a lap around the apartment and were, like, yeah, we'll take it," she said.

The New York Times

The torch was passed among the seven young athletes as they took a lap around the arena.

The New York Times - Sports

An American Legion motorcycle drill team carried billowing U.S. flags on a lap around the interior of the landfill.

The Washington Post

One was to run the longest distance ever, and the other was to run a lap around the earth.

The New York Times - Sports

Sixteen Red Sox players capped the celebration by taking a lap around Fenway, slapping hands with the fans.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's kind of a lap around the country, and with your help, it'll be a victory lap," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical activities like running or driving, "a lap around" is a clear and concise way to indicate completing a circuit. For example, "The athletes took a lap around the track to cool down."

Common error

Avoid using "wrap around" when you mean "a lap around". "Wrap around" implies encircling or enclosing something, whereas "a lap around" suggests movement along a circuit or perimeter. Ensure you use the correct preposition to convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lap around" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe movement or action in relation to a defined area or circuit. Ludwig AI examples show its use in describing physical activities like running or driving. The phrase indicates the completion of a circuit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Travel

10%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lap around" is a versatile and common prepositional phrase used to describe completing a circuit or exploring an area. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and provides many examples across various contexts, including sports, news, and general descriptions. The phrase functions adverbially, modifying verbs to indicate movement and can be used in neutral registers. While "a lap around" is widely accepted, it's important not to confuse it with similar phrases like "wrap around", which has a different meaning. Understanding the nuances of its usage ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a circuit of

Replaces "lap" with "circuit", focusing on the closed-loop aspect of the movement.

a round of

Similar to "lap", but can also imply a sequence of actions or visits.

a circle around

Focuses on the circular path taken.

a tour of

Suggests a more exploratory and less repetitive movement than "lap".

a rotation around

More formal, emphasizing the rotational aspect.

a spin around

Indicates a quick and possibly informal movement around something.

a run around

Highlights running as the mode of movement.

a turn around

Highlights the act of changing direction or rotating.

a sweep around

Suggests a broad and encompassing movement.

a walk around

Emphasizes walking as the mode of movement.

FAQs

How is "a lap around" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a lap around" is used to describe the act of completing a circuit or going around something, often in the context of sports, recreation, or exploration. For example, "He ran "a lap around" the track to warm up."

What are some alternatives to "a lap around"?

You can use alternatives such as "a circuit of", "a tour of", or "a round of", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "take a lap around"?

Yes, "take a lap around" is a common and correct way to use the phrase, indicating that someone is going to complete a circuit or go around something. For instance, "Let's take "a lap around" the park."

What does "a lap around" imply in a sporting context?

In sports, "a lap around" generally means completing one full circuit of a track, field, or arena. It's a standard way to describe distances or warm-up routines. For example, "The driver completed "a lap around" the race track in record time."