circling around

USAGE SUMMARY

"circling around" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is moving in a loop around a particular object or area. For example, "The birds were circling around the tree looking for food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We were circling around in our end.

The New York Times - Sports

"Predators are circling around because that is where the deep pockets are," Ms. Setzfand said.

The New York Times

"There were Syrian jets circling around, there were people being shot at… I remember the route.

Independent

It keeps coming back to the same few subjects, circling around and back, around and back.

The New York Times - Tech

Every evening the discussion had ended up circling around and around the same subject the epidemic.

Science Magazine

That's putting more cars on the road, circling around, seeking parking," Hansson said.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

I circle around.

The New York Times

I circle around and around.

The New Yorker

We circled around, sizing each other up.

Independent

So they circle around.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We circle around the table.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "circling around" to describe literal movement in a circular path or figurative movement around a topic or idea. Ensure the context clearly indicates whether the movement is physical or conceptual.

Common error

Avoid using "circling around" when describing a process or discussion that progresses linearly. This phrase implies a return to the same points, not a forward trajectory.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "circling around" functions as a verb phrase, indicating movement in a circular path or, metaphorically, a recurring focus on a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circling around" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe physical or metaphorical movement in a circular pattern. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It commonly appears in News & Media and Academia, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Related phrases include "revolving around" and "orbiting", though each carries slightly different connotations. When writing, use it to accurately depict either a physical loop or a recurring theme in discussion, avoiding its misuse in linear progressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encircling

Focuses on the result of the circular movement, highlighting the object being surrounded.

revolving around

Suggests something is central and other things move around it.

orbiting

Focuses on the path of something moving round a center point, implying a more predictable movement.

going around

Emphasizes the action of moving in a circular path, often without a specific center.

milling around

Implies aimless movement in a circular fashion, often in a group.

hovering around

Suggests staying in close proximity, often without physical contact or circular motion.

flocking around

Indicates a gathering of individuals or entities around a focal point, creating a circular visual.

swirling around

Implies a fast, chaotic circular movement, often associated with liquids or gases.

dancing around

Refers to evasive treatment of a topic without addressing it directly.

meandering around

It suggests a more relaxed and aimless movement, lacking a sense of urgency or purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "circling around" to describe physical movement, like "The plane was circling around the airport", or to describe a discussion that keeps returning to the same points, such as "The conversation kept circling around the budget issues".

What does "circling around" mean?

"Circling around" can mean physically moving in a circular path or figuratively revisiting the same topics or concerns repeatedly. The meaning depends on the context.

What are some alternatives to "circling around"?

Alternatives include "revolving around", "orbiting", or "going around" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "circling around" formal or informal?

"Circling around" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or scientific writing, more precise language might be preferred.