are passed around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are passed around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of something being distributed or shared among a group of people. Example: "During the meeting, the agenda and minutes from the last session are passed around for everyone to review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Food gets served, plates are passed around," she said.

The New York Times

The ballots sit in trays in the center of the tables and are passed around carefully.

The New York Times

The more free copies that are passed around, the more tickets they sell.

The New York Times - Magazine

Perhaps the intention is to be seated at the table later, when design commissions are passed around?

The New York Times - Arts

Copies of Hello! magazine are passed around; I think I hear James Blunt on the piped music.

The Guardian

Back East, she is besieged by sexually graphic long-distance faxes from a pesky ex-boyfriend (Cheyenne Jackson), which are passed around by the smirking staff.

The New York Times

At festive family gatherings, trays crammed with fragrant, colourful juices, mocktails and other soft drinks are passed around, the most popular of which are sharbats.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've observed this, it's not at all uncommon; phones are passed around groups of young women (sometimes men) at the pub, and absurd messages are sent to strangers for a laugh, and it's cruel and also highly amusing.

The Guardian - Tech

Some have aspirations of crossing over into the commercial realm, but most seem content to make videos that are passed around on YouTube, giving them fame in their communities.

The Guardian - Music

Civilised, and civilising, this way of eating is all about sharing; about sitting down to a kind of indoor picnic – a range of dishes that are passed around, put down, grazed, picked up and passed around again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One the one hand, it's a site of frequent abuse, where women's bodies are passed around like objects, criticized without recourse, violently threatened and harassed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are passed around", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what is being distributed. For instance, "The documents are passed around the team" is more precise than "Things are passed around."

Common error

Avoid using "are passed around" when the context doesn't clearly specify who or what is receiving the distributed item. This can lead to confusion, so provide clear context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are passed around" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject receives the action of being circulated or distributed. Ludwig confirms its validity and extensive usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are passed around" is a versatile and commonly used passive construction, indicating that something is being distributed or circulated within a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in scientific and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the item being distributed and the recipients to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "are circulated" or "are distributed" for more formal contexts or nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are circulated

Emphasizes the act of spreading information or items widely.

are distributed

Focuses on the systematic act of giving out items or information.

are disseminated

Implies a formal and widespread distribution of information.

are shared

Highlights the collaborative aspect of giving something to others.

are handed out

Suggests a casual and direct method of distribution.

are relayed

Implies the passing on of information, often sequentially.

are transmitted

Suggests a formal or technical transfer, often of data or signals.

are diffused

Emphasizes the gradual spreading of something, like an idea or influence.

are propagated

Implies the active spreading and promotion of something.

are conveyed

Focuses on the communication or transmission of a message or idea.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are passed around" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "are circulated" or "are disseminated", depending on the specific context.

What does "are passed around" mean?

The phrase "are passed around" means that something is distributed or shared among a group of people, often implying a circular or sequential sharing pattern.

Is it correct to say "is passed around" instead of "are passed around"?

No, "is passed around" should be used with singular subjects, while "are passed around" is for plural subjects. For example, "The rumor is passed around" vs. "The flyers are passed around".

How does the meaning of "are passed around" differ from "are distributed"?

While both phrases refer to giving something to multiple people, "are passed around" often implies a less structured, more informal sharing process, whereas "are distributed" suggests a more organized or systematic dispersal.