around these things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around these things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics or issues that are related to a particular subject or situation. Example: "We need to have a conversation around these things to better understand the challenges we face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The phone is passed around, these things will be accomplished.

The New Yorker

Being around these things, thinking about them, can drive people out of their minds.

Independent

"I think modest would be the way I'd seek to frame expectations around these things".

The Guardian

It's much worse to dissolve around these things, rather than confront them.

The Guardian - Books

How you navigate your way around these things is up to you: to each man, his own Curiosity.

Independent

Humans were not always around these things... Is it possible that these new technologies may alter morality on a large scale?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"I carry around all these things that people give me," he says.

The New York Times

"I sometimes think when a lot of money gets thrown around at these things it gets wasted.

The Guardian

"It means that I can play around with these things every day," he said, "when I'm on the bus or in the car, and not have to worry about scratching them".

The New York Times - Arts

Once I started futzing around with these things, you know, hot glue and super-rudimentary materials, it started to feel really natural to me.

Forbes

And the man with the most technological know-how gets booted off the ship at one point for not wanting to mess around with these things.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the formality of the context. While acceptable in many situations, more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "regarding these matters" or "concerning these issues".

Common error

Avoid using "around these things" when the reference is unclear. If the 'things' are not easily identifiable, it can lead to confusion. Always ensure clarity by specifying what you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around these things" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable. It typically modifies a verb or clause, adding information about the scope or subject under discussion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "around these things" is a common phrase used to refer to a set of previously mentioned or understood items or topics. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While generally acceptable, it is most suitable for neutral to informal contexts, with its primary function being to indicate the scope of a discussion or activity. For more formal settings, alternatives like "regarding these matters" or "concerning these issues" may be more appropriate. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the "things" you're referring to are easily identifiable to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding these matters

Focuses on the subject being discussed or handled, emphasizing the issue at hand.

concerning these issues

Highlights specific problems or points of discussion, making it suitable for formal contexts.

with respect to these items

Adds a layer of formality, appropriate for official or professional settings.

in relation to these aspects

Emphasizes connection and interdependence between different facets of a situation.

pertaining to these subjects

Highlights the relevance and connection to specific areas of concern.

in the context of these elements

Positions the discussion within a specific framework or set of factors.

relative to these considerations

Brings in an emphasis on the factors that should be thought about.

dealing with these problems

Focuses specifically on addressing existing difficulties or challenges.

in connection with these affairs

Suggests a link or association, often used in more serious or formal settings.

in light of these circumstances

Indicates decisions are made based on the surrounding conditions or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "around these things" in a sentence?

You can use "around these things" to refer to a previously mentioned or understood set of items or topics. For instance, "We need to have a conversation around these things to fully understand the situation."

What can I say instead of "around these things"?

You can use alternatives like "regarding these matters", "concerning these issues", or "with respect to these items" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "around these things" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "around these things" may be considered less formal. For formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "pertaining to these subjects" or "in relation to these aspects".

How can I avoid vagueness when using "around these things"?

To avoid vagueness, ensure the "things" you are referring to are clearly defined or previously mentioned in the context. If there's any ambiguity, specify the items or topics you're discussing.