bandied about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bandied about" is perfectly usable in written English.
It can be used to describe when ideas or stories are passed around between one or more people. For example, "The rumors about the company's new project were quickly bandied about the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They'd be really bandied about".

The New York Times - Arts

"You've always heard the term bandied about".

The New York Times

Dates and weights were bandied about, an arcane code.

The Economist

"I don't know where the figures get bandied about from.

Independent

"This is usually just bandied about on attack TV shows.

The New York Times

The title "living legend" is bandied about too easily.

Independent

Fashionable names that are often bandied about were passed over.

The Guardian - Books

The other phrase bandied about is team-building.

BBC

Some of the figures being bandied about are fairly selective.

BBC

An autumn release has been bandied about, so we'll see.

TechCrunch

Frederic: Another Googler being bandied about is Andy Rubin.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bandied about" to describe information, rumors, or ideas that are being discussed widely and often casually. This phrase is particularly effective when the information is not necessarily accurate or confirmed.

Common error

Avoid using "bandied about" in formal or serious contexts where a neutral or respectful tone is required. It implies a certain level of casualness or even flippancy that may be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bandied about" typically functions as a verb phrase, often used in the passive voice. It indicates that a piece of information, an idea, or a term is being discussed or circulated widely and often casually, as Ludwig confirms through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bandied about" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe the widespread, often casual, discussion or circulation of ideas or information. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it in formal or serious contexts due to its connotation of informality. Consider alternatives like ""widely discussed"" or "circulated freely" when a more neutral tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thrown around

Like "bandied about", suggests a somewhat careless or uncritical manner of discussion.

kicked around

Implies that something is casually or informally considered and discussed, which is highly similar to "bandied about".

widely discussed

Focuses on the extent of the discussion rather than the casual or informal manner implied by "bandied about".

making the rounds

Implies that information is circulating among a group of people, similar to "bandied about".

passed around

Emphasizes the transmission of information from one person to another, similar to the spreading aspect of "bandied about".

circulated freely

Highlights the unrestricted flow of information, akin to how rumors or ideas are "bandied about".

freely discussed

Indicates open discussion, but doesn't necessarily imply the same level of informality as "bandied about".

casually mentioned

Focuses on the informality of the discussion, similar to one aspect of "bandied about".

in general circulation

Indicates widespread distribution and knowledge of something, similar to the broad reach implied by "bandied about".

widely known

Emphasizes the broad awareness of something, but doesn't convey the sense of active discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "bandied about" in a sentence?

You can use "bandied about" to describe information or rumors that are being discussed widely and often casually. For example, "The figures were "bandied about" without any real evidence to back them up."

What does "bandied about" mean?

The phrase "bandied about" means that something, typically information, an idea, or a rumor, is being discussed widely and often casually or carelessly.

What are some alternatives to "bandied about"?

Some alternatives to "bandied about" include "widely discussed", "passed around", or "thrown around". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bandied about" formal or informal?

"Bandied about" is generally considered an informal phrase. It's best used in casual conversation or writing, rather than in formal reports or academic papers.