around a chunk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around a chunk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is situated or occurring in the vicinity of a specific piece or portion of something, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "The river flows around a chunk of land that juts out into the water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

When Sturgeon wrapped a coil of wire around a chunk of iron nothing much happened.

The Guardian

Soft green bell pepper and watery peeled tomatoes had lost all memories of their days under the hot sun by the time they were draped like old newspapers over and around a chunk of striped bass.

The New York Times - Food

Unless your keychain is exceptionally bling (or you are carrying around a chunk of Mossanite, a rare mineral mostly found in meteorites), a sapphire screen is likely to actually be safe bouncing around in your pocket.

The Guardian - Tech

A researcher described what happened next: In other anecdotes, researchers describe incidents in which wild killer whales playfully tease humans by repeatedly moving objects the humans are trying to reach, or suddenly start to toss around a chunk of ice after a human throws a snowball.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

For a decade, Mr. Isay, 31, bounced around like a chunk of political Flubber, working his way from volunteer "grunt" to chief of staff in the United States Senate and, after a deflating Internet foray, found his niche as a political consultant with the firm of Morris, Carrick & Guma, where Mr. Hevesi is "a main client".

The New York Times

If you're with T-Mo and looking to upgrade your phone, the carrier has offered a way to trade-in your old-school flip-phone or any other throwback you have lying around for a chunk of change (to be used for a new phone, of course).

TechCrunch

Share counts decrease, leaving investors who stick around a larger chunk of the company.

The New York Times

And: Lehman and its bad positions were akin to a dog stumbling around with a chunk of uranium dangling from its collar.

The New Yorker

Exactly as then, town halls are suddenly going to be charged with pursuing poor people for a chunk – then, as now, around a fifth – of their local tax bill.

The Guardian

It's like a chunk of lead swimming around inside the head and I can feel in the teeth and in my gums and when I'm sitting quietly in a chair I can feel the pumping pressure Participants in nine studies (Brazil, Netherlands, Thailand, United Kingdom, and United States) reported taking drugs regularly according to the prescription.

British Medical Journal

A feather-shaped earring dangled from his left ear, and around his neck a chunk of turquoise hung on a black cord.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "around a chunk", ensure the context clearly defines what the "chunk" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "around a chunk" when the piece is insignificant or too large to be considered a "chunk". Opt for more specific terms like "sliver", "section", or "area" depending on the size and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around a chunk" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun or verb, indicating location or spatial relationship. Ludwig AI shows examples where it describes physical placement, as in "wrapped around a chunk of iron".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "around a chunk" functions as a prepositional phrase used to describe the spatial relationship between objects, specifically something being located near or encircling a substantial, irregular piece. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral, precision is key in clarifying the size and nature of the "chunk" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "surrounding a piece" or "encircling a section" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surrounding a piece

Focuses on the encirclement aspect with "piece" indicating a part of something.

encircling a section

"Encircling" emphasizes complete surrounding; "section" is a more formal term than "chunk".

in the vicinity of a fragment

Uses "vicinity" to denote proximity; "fragment" suggests a broken-off piece.

near a portion

Employs a more general term "near" for proximity and "portion" for a part.

adjacent to a segment

"Adjacent" implies being next to; "segment" suggests a distinct part.

close to a part

"Close to" indicates physical proximity, while "part" is a general term.

in proximity to a mass

"In proximity to" denotes nearness; "mass" suggests a large, undefined quantity.

bordering a segment

"Bordering" implies sharing a boundary with "segment" emphasizing a separate component.

alongside a share

"Alongside" suggests being side by side; "share" implies a portion of something divided.

enclosing a bit

"Enclosing" denotes surrounding and protecting. "Bit" denotes a very small portion.

FAQs

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

You can use "around a chunk" to describe something located or happening in the vicinity of a piece or portion of something. For instance, "The construction workers were gathered around a chunk of concrete that had fallen from the building".

What can I say instead of "around a chunk"?

Alternatives include "surrounding a piece", "encircling a section", or "near a portion", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to use "around a piece" or "around a chunk"?

The choice depends on the context. "Chunk" implies a rough, uneven piece, while "piece" is more general. Use "around a chunk" when the object is substantial and irregularly shaped; otherwise, "around a piece" is suitable.

What does "around a chunk" imply about the size or shape of the object?

"Around a chunk" suggests the object is a substantial, irregularly shaped portion of something larger. It conveys a sense of roughness and unevenness, unlike terms like "slice" or "segment".