circling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'circling' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is moving in a circular motion, or that a person or thing is going around or moving in a circle. For example: "The vultures were circling in the sky, looking for food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And most of it remains just that – speculation, albeit of a kind that has fuelled character assassinations from those circling the wagons around the intelligence agencies.

The Guardian

At first it appeared the champion was merely starting sleepily: circling slowly, hitting his opponent with his killer eyes.

The Guardian - Sport

There's been a police helicopter circling overhead and the officers are all wearing flak jackets".

The Guardian

Congestion in town centres is often made much worse by drivers circling for a space, and Milton Keynes is hoping the technology will reduce traffic jams.

The Guardian - Tech

Since 1981, it has rolled out northern Europe's largest network of cycling routes: 150 miles of paths criss-crossing and circling the island, many following forest tracks and disused railway lines far from any traffic.

The Guardian - Travel

On the bright side, you can always change your betting luck by circling your chair three times.

The Guardian

One prime ministerial flame, six cross moths circling it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Watch hundreds of black storks circling overhead, planning their migration to Africa.

The Guardian - Travel

She's talking as if we're circling round some dangerous unspoken subtext and we both know it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It doesn't look quite as big and scary as I'd hoped, but the people circling the beast in green scrubs and white wellies are certainly taking it very seriously.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

High above we spot red kites circling.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract situations, use "circling" to imply a state of anticipation or readiness, such as "rivals circling a failing company".

Common error

While "circling" vividly describes movement, avoid using it when simpler terms like "going around" or "moving around" are sufficient for clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "circling" is to act as a verb, specifically in its present participle form, often describing an ongoing action. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and indicates something is moving in a circular motion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

15%

Business

10%

Less common in

Opinion

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "circling" functions primarily as a verb, describing ongoing movement in a circular path or a surrounding action. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across varied contexts. Usage is common in news, travel, and business, and it often conveys either a literal movement or a metaphorical sense of anticipation or predatory behavior. Related phrases include "revolving" and "orbiting". When using "circling", ensure it adds value over simpler terms and fits the context, whether literal or metaphorical. In summary, "circling" is a versatile term, widely used in different forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revolving

Emphasizes continuous rotation around a central point.

orbiting

Specifically refers to moving in a curved path around a celestial body or object.

encircling

Highlights the act of forming a circle around something.

wheeling

Suggests a large, sweeping circular movement, often in the air.

compassing

Implies surrounding or including something within a circular boundary.

gyrating

Describes a rapid, whirling motion.

ঘুরতে

Bengali translation of the word "circling"

surrounding

Focuses on the act of being all around something, not necessarily in motion.

compassing about

An archaic form emphasizing the complete enclosure of something.

milling around

Indicates aimless movement in a circular or chaotic fashion.

FAQs

How can "circling" be used in a sentence?

You can use "circling" to describe movement in a circular path, as in "The plane was circling the airport" or to describe a group surrounding something, as in "Reporters were circling the politician".

What is a good substitute for "circling"?

Depending on the context, you might use "revolving", "orbiting", or "surrounding" as alternatives to "circling".

Is it correct to say "circling around"?

While "circling" already implies movement around something, using "around" after it can sometimes be redundant. It's often better to simply use "circling" unless "circling around" adds specific emphasis.

What does it mean when someone says "sharks are circling"?

The phrase "sharks are circling" typically means that rivals or competitors are closely monitoring a situation, waiting for an opportunity to take advantage of any weakness or vulnerability.