around which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around which" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to refer to a time, place, person, event, thing, or idea that focuses, modifies, or serves as the center of something. For example: "The neighborhood is the central point around which the city is built."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Guys that can move around, which always helped out".

Los Angeles Times

There's always babes around, which is so money.

Vice

The pivot around which we worked.

The Guardian - Music

That is the dirty truth around which this novel revolves.

The New York Times - Books

The deficits are the issue around which everything else revolves.

The New York Times

My dead legs are the pivot around which things revolve".

The New Yorker

She created innovative Constructivist sets around which the action developed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a movement around which many Democrats have coalesced.

The New York Times

This is the point around which Multitudes pivots: precedence matters.

The Guardian

A door becomes a bed around which the dancers gather.

The New York Times - Arts

They represent something around which we can all rally.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "around which", ensure the sentence maintains a clear and logical flow to avoid ambiguity. The element "around which" refers to should be readily identifiable.

Common error

Avoid separating "around" and "which" with excessive words, as it can weaken the connection and make the sentence awkward. Keep the phrase together for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It indicates the focal point or central element that something else relates to or depends on. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "around which" is used to indicate a central element or focal point. It is considered grammatically correct and is commonly found in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it helps to establish a relationship of centrality or dependence, frequently appearing in news, scientific, and formal writing. While versatile, "around which" tends to be more formal, so simpler alternatives like "about which" may be suitable for informal contexts. Remember to maintain clarity by keeping the phrase intact and ensuring the referent is easily identifiable. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "around which" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about which

A more direct and common alternative, suitable for most contexts.

on which

A simpler and more concise alternative, often used in less formal settings.

regarding which

More formal, often used in legal or official contexts.

concerning which

Similar to "regarding which", but can also imply a sense of worry or concern.

that revolves around

Emphasizes the concept of something orbiting or depending on a central point.

in relation to which

Emphasizes the connection or link between two things.

with respect to which

Highlights a specific aspect or viewpoint.

based on which

Highlights the foundation or reason for something.

the focus of which is

Highlights that this is the main interest.

whereupon

Indicates a sequence of events where something immediately follows.

FAQs

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

Use "around which" to indicate a central element or focus of something. For example, "The key issue "around which" the debate revolves is funding".

What are some alternatives to "around which"?

You can use alternatives like "about which", "concerning which", or "regarding which" depending on the context.

Is "around which" formal or informal?

"Around which" tends to be more formal. Simpler prepositions like "about" or "on" might be preferred in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "around which" and "that revolves around"?

"Around which" is a more concise prepositional phrase, while "that revolves around" is a longer phrase that emphasizes the idea of something orbiting or depending on a central point.