around him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the physical or metaphorical space surrounding a person, often indicating presence or influence. Example: "The children played joyfully around him, laughing and chasing each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We gathered around him.

The New York Times

Trainers swarmed around him.

The New Yorker

They swirled around him.

The New Yorker

They'd dance around him.

The New Yorker

"Everyone around him died.

The New York Times

The world around him expanded.

The New Yorker

She lights up around him.

The New Yorker

Three colleagues moved around him.

The New York Times - Sports

The fighters sat around him.

The New Yorker

The questions flitted around him.

The New York Times - Sports

He acknowledges those around him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "around him" to clearly indicate physical proximity or the immediate environment surrounding an individual. This helps create a vivid image in the reader's mind and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "around him" is versatile, avoid overuse by considering alternatives like "nearby", "in his presence", or "surrounding him" for better nuance and variety in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around him" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating location or environment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and correct expression. For example, "They gathered around him." showcases its adverbial function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "around him" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate physical proximity or the environment surrounding a male individual. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "nearby" or "in his presence" exist, "around him" remains a clear and effective way to describe spatial relationships. When using "around him", ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning and consider diversifying your language with synonyms to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in his vicinity

Focuses on the immediate physical space surrounding the person.

surrounding him

Highlights the act of encircling or being present on all sides of the person.

in his presence

Emphasizes being in the same location or within sight or hearing of the person.

near him

Indicates close physical proximity.

close to him

Suggests both physical nearness and a possible emotional connection.

in his circle

Implies being part of a group or community associated with the person.

in relation to him

Focuses on the connection or interaction with the person.

with respect to him

Similar to "in relation to him", suggesting a point of comparison or reference.

on his periphery

Describes being at the edge or outer boundary of his immediate environment or influence.

in his environment

Focuses on the setting or conditions that affect the person.

FAQs

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

Use "around him" to describe the physical space or environment immediately surrounding a male individual. For example, "The children played joyfully around him."

What are some alternatives to "around him"?

You can use alternatives like "in his vicinity", "surrounding him", or "in his presence", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "around him" and "near him"?

"Around him" suggests a broader sense of being in the vicinity or encircling him, while "near him" simply implies close physical proximity.

When is it appropriate to use "around him" versus "in his presence"?

Use "around him" when focusing on the physical space or activities occurring in his immediate vicinity. Use "in his presence" when emphasizing the awareness or impact of being with him.