all around

USAGE SUMMARY

"all around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe an area or place that encompasses all sides, as in, "The market in the center of town bustled with people all around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Progress all around!

The New York Times

Blank looks all around".

The New York Times

Onion goggles all around!

The New Yorker

Women's All Around Final.

BBC

Men's All Around Final.

BBC

Hackers are all around!

WikiHow

Good news all around.

The New York Times

The water's all around.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

An all-around reliable weapon.

WikiHow

The All-Around Cheerful Girl.

WikiHow

All-around greatness?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all around" to describe environments, atmospheres, or situations where something is present or happening in every direction or aspect. For example, "There was excitement "all around" the stadium."

Common error

Avoid using "all around" when a more specific adjective would provide greater clarity. For instance, instead of saying "He's an "all around" good player", consider "He's a versatile player" to better convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all around" primarily functions as an adjective or adverbial phrase, modifying nouns or verbs to describe something that is present or occurring in every direction or aspect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples show it describing atmospheres, locations, or general situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all around" functions as a versatile adjective or adverbial phrase, used to indicate a comprehensive presence or encompassing atmosphere. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. Its frequency is high, especially in news and media contexts. When using "all around", ensure it aptly describes a situation where something is present or happening in every direction or aspect, and avoid substituting it for more specific adjectives when clarity is needed. Related phrases such as "everywhere" or "on all sides" may provide alternative ways to express similar ideas, depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everywhere

Focuses on the widespread presence or occurrence.

on all sides

Emphasizes the presence or existence of something on every side of a given point or area.

in every direction

Highlights the idea that something exists or extends in multiple directions.

surrounding

Suggests something is encircling or present around a central point or area.

throughout

Indicates presence or influence across an entire area or time period.

all over

Implies that something is widely dispersed or scattered.

in all places

Stresses the universality of something's presence.

encompassing

Highlights that something includes all aspects or elements.

overall

Refers to the general or total aspect of something.

generally

Suggests something is true or applicable in most situations.

FAQs

How can I use "all around" in a sentence?

You can use "all around" to indicate something is present or happening in every direction or aspect. For instance, "The festive atmosphere was "all around" during the holiday season."

What are some alternatives to saying "all around"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "everywhere", "on all sides", or "in every direction".

Is it correct to say "all round" instead of "all around"?

"All round" is a variant primarily used in British English, whereas "all around" is more common in American English. Both are generally acceptable, but context should guide your choice.

What's the difference between "all around" and "all over"?

"All around" typically refers to something encircling or affecting all sides of a specific area, while "all over" often means something is scattered or distributed widely. For example, "The park is beautiful "all over" with flowers" indicates a widespread distribution.