circular

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “circular” is correct and can be used in written English.
It’s most often used to describe something shaped like a circle or something that has a repetitive and continuous pattern. For example: “The circular pattern of the rug complemented the room’s aesthetic.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The circular economy hub is funded by Philips.

The Guardian

Udarnik Cafe on Grajski Square is a great circular space in a 1930s cinema, with film quotes on the wall and seriously cheap beer.

The Guardian - Travel

It all culminated in two metal-framed circular dance floors, of which the latter played the hardest, most annoying techno I have ever heard.

The Guardian - Music

At the time of lobbying Scully, Icac said, Obeid "was influenced in making the representations by knowing that Circular Quay leaseholders had donated $50,000 to the Australian Labor party as payment for carrying out of what they understood to be a promise that their interests as leaseholders would be looked after by the government".

The Guardian

The circular route begins at Overbeck bridge in Wasdale, which has a free car park.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

From the beginning of 2015 until the start of the election campaign, he held meetings with, among others, David Cameron, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, education secretary Nicky Morgan and Alistair Carmichael, then Scotland secretary, according to an analysis of court circular records by Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state.

The Guardian

In the circular economy of American politics, that money naturally first travels through the coffers of lobbyists and legislators.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are people in business suits from all over Europe, sitting around circular tables, looking harried.

The Guardian

"The keys to good karma, such as the sharing economy and the circular economy, are in our economy already, and now we have an opportunity to use them," he said.

The Guardian

Not too long ago, my friend Lou and I were chatting in the soft-play area of an industrial estate just off the north circular.

The Guardian - Opinion

The residency will mean a new fantasy for the building: images appearing in frames in the ladies' toilets; surreal images on the stairwells and in the large basement gaming space; the big circular ceiling will become a changing window.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing layouts or routes, use "circular" to denote paths that begin and end in the same location, such as "a circular walking tour".

Common error

Avoid using "circular" when you mean "cycle", which refers to a series of events that repeat. "Circular" describes shape or form, while "cycle" describes a process.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "circular" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their shape, form, or pattern. Ludwig AI shows examples like "circular route" and "circular tables", where it defines a characteristic of the noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "circular" functions primarily as an adjective, denoting a shape resembling a circle or a repetitive pattern. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, notably in news, lifestyle, and wiki articles. The term's frequency indicates common usage, and related terms like "round" and "cyclic" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. While "circular" aptly describes shapes and forms, it's essential to avoid confusion with "cycle", which signifies a repeating process. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively leverage "circular" to convey precision and clarity in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

round

Refers specifically to the shape of a circle.

ring-shaped

Emphasizes the form of a ring or annulus.

cyclic

Indicates a repeating sequence or pattern.

orbital

Describes movement or arrangement in an orbit.

rotary

Implies movement around a central axis.

circuitous

Describes a route or argument that is indirect or roundabout.

recurrent

Highlights the repetition or return of something.

looping

Suggests a path or structure that forms a loop.

spherical

Describes something that is shaped like a sphere or ball.

globular

Relates to something having the shape of a globe.

FAQs

How can I use "circular" in a sentence?

You can use "circular" to describe something shaped like a circle, for example, "a circular table". It can also describe something recurring, such as "circular reasoning".

What's a synonym for "circular" when describing a shape?

When describing a shape, a synonym for "circular" is "round". For example, a "circular window" can also be called a "round window".

When is it appropriate to use "cyclic" instead of "circular"?

Use "cyclic" when referring to something that involves a repeating series of events or processes, rather than a physical shape. For example, the carbon cycle is a "cyclic" process, not a circular one.

What is "circular reasoning"?

"Circular reasoning" is a type of argument that assumes what it's trying to prove. In other words, it's when your reasoning begins and ends with the same premise, making the argument invalid. It's like saying X is true because of Y, and Y is true because of X.