circulate on the internet

USAGE SUMMARY

'circulate on the internet' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referencing something that is being shared on the internet, such as a meme, an online video, or a gossip article. For example: "The video of the cat riding a Roomba quickly began to circulate on the internet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Millions of people across the Muslim world, though, viewed the video as one of the most inflammatory pieces of content to circulate on the Internet.

The New York Times - Tech

As images from Kashmir began to circulate on the internet – despite frequent attempts to block communications, including at least one midnight raid on the offices of a local newspaper, and a blanket ban on one English daily, the Kashmir Reader – pictures of the wounded emerged by the dozen, many of them looking as though they had ruptured fruits where their eyes should have been.

The Guardian

Large quantities of music continue to circulate on the internet.

The Economist

"The way these videos circulate on the Internet is unprecedented, in all these different leaky ways.

The New York Times

Weapons and explosives have been proliferating in our countries for a long time, while user manuals circulate on the Internet.

The Washington Post

Still, "Yo Gabba Gabba!" did not find a home until the pilots began to circulate on the Internet.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

There have been dozens of different accounts of the events in Kopeysk circulating on the Internet and in the media, one less reliable than the next.

The New York Times

The attack was taped and circulated on the Internet.

Stanford University

"Now the invitations are circulating on the Internet.

The New York Times

Within hours, however, copies were circulating on the Internet.

The New York Times

The cartoons have been widely circulated on the Internet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the source and context when discussing information that "circulates on the internet", as not all sources are equally reliable.

Common error

Avoid using "circulate on the internet" when describing content that is only shared within a small or specific online community. This phrase suggests broader dissemination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circulate on the internet" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of information, rumors, or media spreading widely online. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

11%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "circulate on the internet" effectively captures the dynamic of information sharing online, as Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase suggests a broad dissemination rather than confined sharing. For alternatives, consider "spread online" or "go viral" to emphasize different aspects of online distribution. When employing this phrase, ensure the context aligns with widespread dissemination to avoid overstating the reach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread online

Focuses on the dissemination aspect, emphasizing the widening reach.

go viral

Highlights the rapid and widespread sharing of content.

be shared across the web

Emphasizes the act of sharing and the interconnectedness of the internet.

gain traction online

Focuses on how something becomes popular and gathers interest.

surface on the internet

Implies the sudden appearance or discovery of something online.

be distributed digitally

Highlights the method of distribution rather than the impact.

become an internet meme

Specifically refers to content that spreads rapidly and is culturally relevant.

be passed around online

Suggests informal and personal sharing of content.

trend on social media

Focuses specifically on the phenomenon of trending topics on social media platforms.

be promoted on the internet

Emphasizes intentional marketing and advertising efforts.

FAQs

How can I use "circulate on the internet" in a sentence?

You can use "circulate on the internet" to describe how news, rumors, or media files are shared widely online. For example, "Photos of the event quickly "circulated on the internet"."

What's a more formal way to say "circulate on the internet"?

A more formal alternative to "circulate on the internet" could be "disseminate digitally" or "be distributed online". These options emphasize the method of distribution in a more professional tone.

What can I say instead of "circulate on the internet"?

You can use alternatives like "spread online", "go viral", or "be shared across the web" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "circulate on the internet" when talking about online content?

While generally acceptable, "circulate on the internet" might not be suitable if the content's spread is limited to a small group or a specific platform. Consider the scope of distribution when choosing this phrase.