circulate through

USAGE SUMMARY

"circulate through" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of something moving or passing through something else. For example: "The air circulated through the building, bringing a welcome relief from the midsummer heat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"People can circulate through these houses.

The New York Times

Lies and propaganda circulate through every war.

The New York Times

It encourages you to circulate through the whole building.

The New Yorker

Air and moisture circulate through the pile, letting microbes do their work.

The New York Times

The public will circulate through facades and rooftops, experiencing Times Square almost as improvisational theater.

The New York Times

And for the wistful, mimes, jugglers and magicians will circulate through the park.

The New York Times

Or, to be more accurate, Twitter is good at letting facts circulate through argument.

The New Yorker

Apparently, his response to realism may extend to aromas that could circulate through the auditorium.

Independent

"They put the names of young women on a list and circulate through BBM [BlackBerry Messenger].

The Guardian

Similar questions circulate through "Eames: The Architect and the Painter," a lively new documentary by Jason Cohn and Bill Jersey.

The New York Times

This will prevent them from burning and allow the heat to circulate through the food once the pit is sealed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "circulate through" to describe the movement of information, fluids, or objects within a defined system or space. For example, "Ideas circulate through social media" or "Blood circulates through the body."

Common error

Avoid using "circulate through" when you simply mean something is present in a location. For instance, don't say "Dust circulates through the room" if the dust is merely sitting there; instead, use "Dust is present in the room" or "Dust fills the room".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "circulate through" is a phrasal verb. It describes an action of movement or passage within a defined space or medium. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circulate through" is a phrasal verb that effectively describes the movement or distribution of something within a system or space. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used. It's commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a versatile usage across various registers. While ""flow through"" or "pass through" can serve as alternatives, "circulate through" specifically implies a more cyclical or distributive movement. Avoid using it simply to indicate presence, as this diminishes its meaning. By keeping these points in mind, you can confidently and accurately use "circulate through" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pass through

This alternative focuses on the act of going from one side to another.

flow through

This option emphasizes continuous movement like a liquid or gas.

spread throughout

This highlights the distribution of something across an area.

permeate through

This suggests a gradual penetration or diffusion.

travel across

This implies movement over a distance within something.

move within

This focuses on the act of shifting position inside something.

course through

This suggests a defined path or channel of movement.

diffuse within

This highlights a spreading or scattering within something.

distribute within

This focuses on dispersing something evenly within a space.

filter through

This implies selective passage, removing some elements along the way.

FAQs

How is "circulate through" used in a sentence?

The phrase "circulate through" describes the movement or passage of something within a defined space or system. For instance, "Air must "flow through" a building for proper ventilation" or "Rumors "spread throughout" the office quickly".

What are some alternatives to "circulate through"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pass through", ""flow through"", or ""spread throughout"". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "circulate in" instead of "circulate through"?

While "circulate in" can sometimes be appropriate, "circulate through" is generally used when emphasizing movement within a medium or system. "Circulate in" suggests presence within a broader area, while "circulate through" indicates a more directional or defined path.

What does "circulate through" imply about the movement?

The phrase "circulate through" suggests a somewhat continuous or cyclical movement, often implying that something is distributed or dispersed as it moves. It highlights the process of moving within a system, rather than a simple one-time passage.