around a special

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around a special" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe something related to a specific event or occasion, but it lacks context to be usable. Example: "We gathered around a special celebration for her birthday."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's one of the most frequently revived musicals around, a special favorite in high schools.

The New York Times

A common statement, usually voiced by someone who would not dream of leaving the house without a book in hand, was, "Who wants to carry around a special device to read books on?" Another was, "Who wants to read on a screen?" Yet we all read on screens, probably more than we acknowledge, as we get more and more news and much of our professional reading from the web.

Forbes

"That offense has evolved around a special guy," Collins said.

The New York Times - Sports

They take pride in special collections, which are built around a special subject interest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are gathered around a special speakerphone that resembles the Star Trek insignia.

The New Yorker

The N.C.A.A. tournament brings around a special sleeplessness, caused by long hours of preparation for each opponent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"We had been looking around for a special to do and we wanted a really substantial subject.

The Guardian

A film crew from Japan's NHK network is currently following Ms. Castelli around, for a special on trauma and dissociation.

The New York Times

The limited edition package featured the entire album, a B-side track entitled "Run", a DVD featuring a documentary about the making of the album and some instructional videos, a "wrap-around" poster, a special VIP laminate which grants access to special Disturbed events through 2009, and a special code which grants access to the "Inside the Fire" special website add-on.

Wikipedia

"I think there would be a rising up around the nation from people who were active the first time around," said Copps, a special advisor on media and democracy reform at public interest group Common Cause.

Los Angeles Times

Always have one friend to hang out with: when you need to talk to somebody or need a friend around, have a special best friend you can walk around campus with and tell him/her about your day, it will sure make you feel better Get the look down: a lot of shy girls are very beautiful.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and grammatical precision, consider replacing "around a special" with phrases like "regarding a specific", "concerning a particular", or "related to a unique" depending on the context. These alternatives often provide a more standard and readily understood structure.

Common error

Avoid using "around a special" in formal writing or situations where clarity is paramount. The phrase can be vague and may not convey your intended meaning effectively. Opt for more precise language to ensure your message is easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around a special" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It often indicates a relationship or context related to something designated as 'special'. While Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically questionable, its use varies across different registers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "around a special" appears in various contexts, Ludwig AI considers it grammatically questionable and advises caution in its usage. It serves to indicate a context related to something considered 'special'. While prevalent in news and media, its formality is generally neutral and more precise alternatives should be considered for formal writing. It's worth noting that its relatively high frequency suggests it is a commonly used expression despite its grammatical ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding a specific

Focuses on the topic being a particular or defined item rather than something that is generally set apart from others.

concerning a particular

Changes the preposition to "concerning" to mean relating to something specific.

related to a unique

Replaces "special" with "unique" to emphasize the distinctiveness of the subject.

surrounding a designated

Modifies "around" to "surrounding" emphasizing what is located around something appointed with a role.

about a singular

Emphasizes that the subject is one of a kind or exceptional.

in connection with a distinctive

Changes the preposition and adjective, highlighting the link to something easily distinguishable.

centered on an exceptional

Alters the construction to emphasize the focus on something outstanding.

pertaining to a notable

Shifts to a more formal tone, indicating relevance to something worthy of attention.

in respect of a remarkable

Indicates consideration or regard for something noteworthy.

apropos of an extraordinary

Uses a more sophisticated vocabulary to denote relevance to something exceptional.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "around a special" for better clarity?

Consider using phrases like "regarding a specific", "concerning a particular", or "related to a unique" depending on the context to convey your meaning more precisely.

Is "around a special" grammatically correct?

While "around a special" appears in some contexts, it's often considered grammatically questionable. Opting for clearer alternatives can improve the quality of your writing.

Which is more appropriate, "around a special" or "for a special occasion"?

"For a special occasion" is generally more appropriate and grammatically sound. "Around a special" might be acceptable in very informal contexts, but "for a special occasion" is preferred for clarity.

When is it acceptable to use "around a special"?

Using /s/around+a+special is generally avoided in formal settings, it may be acceptable in informal conversation or creative writing where ambiguity is intentional, but consider your audience and the context before using it.