around a section

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around a section" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is located or happening in the vicinity of a specific part or segment of a larger whole. Example: "The discussion will focus on the issues around a section of the new policy that affects employee benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The police responded by placing metal barricades around a section of those steps.

The New York Times

In Magnus Sigurdarson's installation, "Storm" (2001), industrial fans blow piles of salt around a section of the gallery cordoned off by a Plexiglas wall.

The New York Times - Arts

But in Tenafly, a battle between the town and the Tenafly Eruv Association over the placement of these boundary markers on public property began in 1999 when Orthodox Jewish residents erected an eruv around a section of the town.

The New York Times

The technique, developed in the laboratory led by Dr. Mircea Steriade at Laval University in Quebec, involves severing the nerve cells around a section of tissue about the size of the tab button on a computer keyboard from the brains of anesthetized cats.

The New York Times - Science

In the mid-1960s, the rail line and roadway in the area were moved to go around a section of the runway complex's cargo ramps; this relocation also added a new rail line crossing to CR 553.

Wikipedia

You may also have seen the flurry of action this month around a section of the new National Defense Authorization Act that allows the military to detain indefinitely not only members of al Qaeda, the Taliban and "associated forces" but anyone who has "substantially supported" them.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The road is a two-lane undivided highway for most of its length with the exception of the bypass around Denton and a section near Hillsboro, which is a four-lane divided highway.

Wikipedia

The roof is flat and constructed of roofing cement, with a parapet located around it, with a section of a chimney that sticks out of the south end of the roof.

Wikipedia

Then flames rose several stories high from under the bridge before a section collapsed around 7 30 p.m., even as dozens of firefighters fought it, causing a brief fireball.

Huffington Post

A numerical simulation of a high Reynolds number flow around a fixed section model with a shallow hexagonal cross-section is presented.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

As with "The Transit of Venus," it is set around the world, including a section on the Far East, where she lived with her parents after they left Australia.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial relationships in technical writing, ensure the context makes it clear whether "around a section" implies enclosure, proximity, or adjacency.

Common error

Avoid using "around a section" when you specifically mean 'within' or 'inside' a particular section. Using the correct preposition will improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around a section" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating location or spatial relationship. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts, from physical areas to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "around a section" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate proximity or location relative to a specific part or segment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showing examples across news media, scientific literature, and wikis. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and ensure the intended meaning (enclosure, adjacency, or proximity) is clear. For more formal writing, alternatives like "in the vicinity of a section" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surrounding a part

Focuses on the encompassing nature of the area.

in the vicinity of a portion

Uses more formal vocabulary to indicate nearness.

near a segment

Emphasizes physical closeness to the specified segment.

adjacent to a sector

Highlights the bordering aspect of the location.

enclosing a piece

Implies a complete surrounding or wrapping.

bordering a segment

Focuses on shared boundary.

in proximity to a zone

Similar to "in the vicinity", but emphasizes a defined area.

in the area of a division

Highlights the region where the division is located.

circumscribing a detail

Implies drawing a line or boundary around a specific element.

alongside a component

Indicates being side-by-side with a specific component.

FAQs

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

You can use "around a section" to describe something located or happening near a specific area. For example: "The police placed barricades "around a section" of the steps."

What are some alternatives to "around a section"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "near a segment", "adjacent to a sector", or "in the vicinity of a portion".

Is it more formal to say "in the vicinity of a section" or "around a section"?

"In the vicinity of a section" is more formal than "around a section". The latter is suitable for general use, while the former fits better in academic or professional contexts.

When should I avoid using "around a section"?

Avoid using "around a section" if you mean something is located within the section. In such cases, use "in a section" or "within a section" for accuracy.