around the circle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around the circle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe movement or positioning in a circular path or to indicate something that encompasses a circular area. Example: "The children ran around the circle during their playtime, laughing and enjoying the sunny day."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We took turns going around the circle: Muslim, Christian, atheist.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is turning around the circle of its base.

The Guardian

Going around the circle, each person can only say one word.

Stanford University

Go right around the circle.

WikiHow

Players proceed around the circle, spinning the bottle as normal.

WikiHow

Connect the lines to create pointy tongues of water that curve up and around the circle.

WikiHow

The picker, or "it," walks around the circle, tapping on each player's head.

WikiHow

They continue around the circle.

The New York Times

Around the circle, those people nodded.

The New Yorker

We go around the circle and take turns.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The goblets were moving clockwise around the circle, I'd noticed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of actions performed by multiple participants, use "around the circle" to clearly indicate the order or direction in which the actions are taken.

Common error

Avoid using "around the circle" when "in the center" or "within the circle" more accurately describes the intended location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around the circle" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a direction or location in relation to a circular shape. Ludwig shows examples where it modifies verbs of motion and describes spatial arrangements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

29%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

21%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "around the circle" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe movement or arrangement in a circular path. Ludwig's analysis confirms its wide usage across various contexts, including wiki articles, news reports, and academic papers. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to selecting more precise language when describing locations within the circle rather than along its perimeter. Given its frequency and versatility, "around the circle" remains a valuable tool for clear and descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a circular fashion

Emphasizes the manner of the action being circular, rather than the specific location.

in a ring

Focuses on the arrangement being in the shape of a ring, implying a closed circular form.

circularly

Adverb describing movement or arrangement in a circle.

encircling

Highlights the act of surrounding or encompassing something in a circular way.

circumferentially

Refers specifically to the perimeter or boundary of a circle.

in a circuit

Implies a closed path or route that returns to its starting point.

surrounding

Focuses on the act of being all around something, not necessarily in a perfect circle.

along the circumference

Specifically references movement or placement along the outer boundary of a circle.

in rotation

Emphasizes the act of turning or revolving, often implying a sequence or order.

around the perimeter

Focuses on the outer boundary of any shape, not exclusively a circle.

FAQs

How can I use "around the circle" in a sentence?

You can use "around the circle" to describe movement, arrangement, or a sequence of actions. For example, "The dancers moved "around the circle" gracefully" or "The children sat "around the circle" for story time".

What are some alternatives to saying "around the circle"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "in a ring", "circularly", or "encircling".

Is it correct to say "around a circle" instead of "around the circle"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "around the circle" implies a specific or previously mentioned circle, while "around a circle" refers to any circle in general.

What is the difference between "in a circle" and "around the circle"?

"In a circle" describes an arrangement or formation, while "around the circle" often indicates movement or distribution along the circumference of the circle.