around them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the location or presence of something in the vicinity of a group of people or objects. Example: "The children played happily around them, enjoying the sunny day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ships navigate around them".

Independent

The activity continued around them.

The New York Times - Sports

"You can't work around them".

The New York Times

But society matures around them.

The New York Times

They lift everything around them.

Independent

Photographers pressed in around them.

The New Yorker

"He feels peaceful around them".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Decisions are made around them.

The New York Times

So he went around them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Death lurked everywhere around them.

The New York Times

A group around them cheered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "around them" to clearly indicate a spatial relationship, describing what is located or happening in the immediate vicinity of a group. For example: "The children played happily around them."

Common error

Ensure the pronoun "them" has a clear and unambiguous antecedent. Avoid using "around them" if it's unclear who or what "them" refers to, as this can lead to confusion. Rewrite the sentence to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

"Around them" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating the spatial relationship or environment surrounding a specific group. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its use in describing physical locations, activities occurring nearby, or the general atmosphere surrounding individuals or objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "around them" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes what surrounds or is in proximity to a group. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news and media, and also in wiki content, it serves to provide spatial context or to detail the immediate environment of a given subject. When using "around them", ensure the antecedent of "them" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "near them" or "in their vicinity" for subtle variations in meaning. In conclusion, understanding the proper use of "around them" enhances clarity and descriptiveness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in their vicinity

Focuses on the area immediately surrounding them, emphasizing spatial closeness.

near them

A simple and direct way to indicate physical proximity.

in proximity to them

More formal way to describe physical closeness.

surrounding them

Emphasizes the act of enclosing or encircling them.

in their circle

Implies a more intimate or social proximity.

among them

Indicates being included within a group.

in their company

Focuses on the act of being with them, emphasizing companionship.

within their reach

Emphasizes the possibility of interaction or influence.

in their sphere

Highlights the area of influence or control they exert.

adjacent to them

A more technical or spatial way to indicate nearness.

FAQs

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

Use "around them" to describe something that is physically located or occurring in the vicinity of a group of people or things. For instance, "The dancers swirled around them." Here, "them" must clearly refer to a previously mentioned group.

What phrases can I use as alternatives to "around them"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "near them", "in their vicinity", or "surrounding them" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "around them" and "among them"?

"Around them" implies being in the general area or vicinity, while "among them" suggests being included within the group. For example, "The children played around them (nearby)" versus "She felt comfortable among them (as a member of the group)".

When is it inappropriate to use "around them"?

Avoid using "around them" when the pronoun reference is unclear or ambiguous. Ensure that "them" clearly refers to a specific group to prevent confusion. For example, instead of saying "Decisions are made around them", specify "Decisions are made around the board members".