around the neck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around the neck" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that encircles or is positioned near the neck area, often in reference to clothing, accessories, or injuries. Example: "She wore a beautiful necklace that sparkled brightly around her neck."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Bonilla grabbed Mr. Harris around the neck.

The New York Times

He grabbed Iacovou around the neck.

The Guardian - Business

But this was shaped around the neck.

The Guardian - Opinion

What about the padlock on a chain around the neck?

The New York Times

He grabbed her around the neck in a chokehold.

The New York Times

"Fade it in a little bit easier around the neck.

The New York Times

No heads, but only flames playing around the neck openings".

The New Yorker

And a wide black choker around the neck.

The New York Times - Style

Some can be worn around the neck like jewelry.

The New York Times

Headphones are necessary, rakishly draped around the neck.

The New York Times - Tech

There was a flat gold chain around the neck.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing accessories or clothing, use "around the neck" to clearly indicate the item's placement: "She wore a scarf tied fashionably around the neck."

Common error

Avoid using "around the neck" in purely figurative contexts where alternatives like "burden" or "problem" would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying 'the scandal was around the neck of the company', use 'the scandal was a burden on the company'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around the neck" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It indicates the location or placement of something in relation to the neck. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use with objects like "chains", "scarves", or actions like "grabbing".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

31%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "around the neck" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe something encircling or located near the neck. According to Ludwig, this phrase is versatile, appearing in a wide range of contexts from news and media to scientific literature and wikis. To ensure clarity, "around the neck" should primarily be used in literal contexts, specifying the location of an object or action related to the neck. While alternative phrases like "about the neck" exist, "around the neck" is direct and widely understood, making it a reliable choice for precise descriptions. It's best to avoid using "around the neck" figuratively, as it might lead to confusion. Instead, consider alternative expressions that more accurately convey the intended meaning in such cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about the neck

Replaces "around" with "about", offering a slightly less precise indication of location.

encircling the neck

Emphasizes the act of surrounding or encircling the neck.

at the neck

Indicates a position directly at the neck, rather than surrounding it.

on the neck

Suggests a placement or contact point directly on the surface of the neck.

near the neck

Indicates proximity to the neck, without necessarily touching or encircling it.

close to the neck

Similar to "near the neck", but may imply a slightly closer proximity.

over the neck

Suggests something is positioned above or covering the neck.

enclosing the neck

Emphasizes a complete surrounding or enclosure of the neck.

surrounding the neck

Similar to "encircling the neck", stressing the act of surrounding.

touching the neck

Focuses on the action of making contact with the neck

FAQs

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

You can use "around the neck" to describe something that encircles or is positioned near the neck, such as "He wore a necklace "around the neck"" or "The doctor examined the rash "around the neck"."

What are some alternatives to "around the neck"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "about the neck", "at the neck", or "near the neck".

When is it appropriate to use "around the neck" literally versus figuratively?

"Around the neck" is typically used literally to describe the physical placement of something. Figurative uses are rare and often less clear; consider stronger metaphors like "a weight "around the neck"".

What's the difference between "around the neck" and "on the neck"?

"Around the neck" suggests encirclement or being positioned to surround the neck, while "on the neck" implies a placement directly on the surface of the neck. For example, a scarf is worn "around the neck", while a birthmark might be "on the neck".