around a cheap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around a cheap" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe something that is inexpensive, but the phrase lacks context and clarity. Example: "We found a restaurant around a cheap place to eat, but it was closed."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We were sitting in their living room around a cheap flat-screen TV showing the local news — they had bought it with last year's Earned Income Tax Credit.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

McNabb later said: "My name was thrown around like a cheap rag that just couldn't make it to the washing machine.

The New York Times

She recalls that a spokesman for the State Republican party wrote on his website, "State Auditor McCaskill lets the Democrats parade her around like a cheap hooker".

Huffington Post

Pick colors you have around for a cheap redo of tins.

WikiHow

If price hikes have prompted you to look around for a cheaper home phone or phone, broadband and TV bundle, then you can save money by placing your order via a cashback site.

Independent

Downsizing your holiday is not just about shopping around for a cheap package deal.

The Guardian - Travel

(Reuters) THE STATES A SPOKESMAN STEPS DOWN -- The spokesman for the Missouri Republican Party resigned yesterday after being criticized for saying that Democrats had paraded the state auditor, Claire McCaskill, around "like a cheap hooker".

The New York Times

I was stumbling around in search of a cheap cup of gelato.

Vice

Low-end commercial printers sell for around $20,000 but a cheap non-commercial unit like Fab@Home Project Model 1 costs about $2,500.

TechCrunch

Insert a coin or two into one of the automats scattered around Amsterdam for a cheap meal.

WikiHow

In case of emergencies, keep a spare brush around (hey, a cheap brush is okay as a spare).

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reconsider using the phrase "around a cheap". It's often grammatically awkward. Instead, clarify your meaning with phrases like "near a cheap restaurant" or "looking for affordable options around". This makes your writing clearer and more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "around a cheap" as a direct substitute for "near a cheap". The preposition "around" typically needs a noun following it, not an adjective like "cheap". Structuring your sentence differently will improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around a cheap" functions as a prepositional phrase, but its grammatical structure is awkward. Ludwig AI indicates it is not considered a correct phrase. Ideally, "around" should be followed by a noun or noun phrase, not directly by an adjective.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "around a cheap" is grammatically questionable and not recommended for formal writing. Ludwig AI flags the phrase as incorrect. While it appears in some contexts, primarily News & Media and Wiki sources, its usage is infrequent. It's best to use clearer and grammatically correct alternatives such as "near a cheap [noun]" or "in the vicinity of a low-cost [noun]" to convey the intended meaning of proximity to something inexpensive. Avoiding this phrase improves clarity and credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near a low-cost

Focuses on spatial proximity to something inexpensive, replacing "around" with "near" and "cheap" with "low-cost".

in the vicinity of a bargain

Emphasizes being in the general area of something that is a good deal, using more formal vocabulary.

close to an inexpensive

Highlights nearness to something not costly, employing simpler wording.

surrounding an affordable

Describes something encircled by affordability, changing the perspective slightly.

in proximity to a budget-friendly

Similar to "near a low-cost" but uses "in proximity" for a more formal tone and "budget-friendly" as an alternative.

nearby a reasonably priced

Focuses on the concept of being close to something offered at a fair price.

in the neighborhood of an economical

Emphasizes being in the general area of something thrifty, substituting "cheap" with "economical".

in the area of a discounted

Highlights location in relation to something sold at a reduced price.

situated by a value

Indicates a location beside a high-value item, providing different descriptive context.

localized within an undemanding cost

Describes nearness within the limits of a cheap element or concept

FAQs

How can I rephrase "around a cheap" to improve clarity?

Instead of "around a cheap", consider options like "near a "low-cost"", "in the vicinity of an affordable", or "close to a "budget friendly"" option. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "around a cheap" grammatically correct?

The phrase "around a cheap" is not considered grammatically standard. Using alternative phrasing will make your writing more clear and precise.

What's a more common way to express the idea of being near something inexpensive?

Common alternatives include "near a "cheap" [noun]", "in the area of a "low-priced" [noun]", or "looking for affordable [noun] nearby".

When might "around" be used correctly with a descriptor of cost?

While "around a cheap" isn't ideal, you could say something like "prices around a certain cheap threshold", where "threshold" is a noun. However, rephrasing for clarity is still recommended.