circulated about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "circulated about" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when referring to information or materials that are being shared or distributed among a group, but "circulated" alone is often sufficient. Example: "The report was circulated about the office to keep everyone informed of the changes."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A story circulated about what had happened.

The New York Times

Wild rumours circulated about its finances.

The Economist

Rumours circulated about children with tumours.

The Guardian

Many stories have circulated about Mr Karadzic's whereabouts.

Independent

Rumours circulated about his uncanny bursts of speed.

The Economist

Rumors circulated about $425,000 that went to the state.

The New York Times

Once he had been killed, conspiracy theories quickly circulated about who might have been responsible.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Redwood rejected the conspiracy theories that have circulated about Madeleine's parents' involvement.

The New York Times

Some anti-Muslim pamphlets were circulated about the crime, apparently inflaming local Buddhists.

The New York Times

Less well known is a counter-rumor that circulated about Cleveland's opponent, James G. Blaine.

The New York Times

Any information that circulated about him was largely rumor and often wrong.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether the "about" is necessary. In many cases, "circulated" alone sufficiently conveys the meaning. For instance, "The memo circulated" is often as effective as "The memo circulated about."

Common error

Avoid using "circulated about" when the context already implies that the information is being distributed. Using "circulated" alone is often more concise and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circulated about" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of spreading or disseminating information or materials. It typically describes how news, rumors, or documents are distributed among a group or community. Ludwig AI suggests that the word 'about' may be redundant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "circulated about" is used to describe the spreading or dissemination of information or items. Ludwig AI notes the potential redundancy of "about". The phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki contexts, indicating its general applicability. While grammatically acceptable, consider whether "circulated" alone is sufficient for a more concise expression. Related phrases include "spread around", "distributed among" and "made the rounds". When writing, be mindful of potential redundancy and opt for the simpler "circulated" when appropriate. If aiming for conciseness, alternatives such as 'distributed' or 'spread' might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread around

Implies a less formal and more casual dissemination of information or rumors.

distributed among

Focuses on the act of giving something out to multiple recipients, often tangible items or official documents.

made the rounds

Suggests that something has been passed from person to person within a group.

was disseminated

Highlights the act of spreading information widely, often from a central source.

became known

Emphasizes the fact that information has reached a wider audience, without specifying how it spread.

was rumored

Specifically indicates that something was spread as a rumor or unconfirmed information.

was reported

Indicates information that was made known through official or journalistic channels.

got around

Suggests that information has spread in an informal or unofficial manner.

was bruited about

A more formal and literary way of saying that something was spread as a rumor or gossip.

permeated

Implies a gradual spreading or diffusion of something throughout an area or group.

FAQs

How can I use "circulated about" in a sentence?

You can use "circulated about" to indicate that information or items were spread or distributed. For example, "Rumors "circulated about" the company's financial troubles."

Is it always necessary to use "about" after "circulated"?

No, often "circulated" is sufficient. Using "about" can sometimes be redundant. Consider if the meaning is clear without it; if so, omitting "about" can make your writing more concise. See also "spread around".

What are some alternatives to using "circulated about"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "spread around", "distributed among", or "made the rounds".

What's the difference between "circulated" and "circulated about"?

While both phrases mean that something was distributed, "circulated" is generally more direct and concise. "Circulated about" can sometimes sound less formal or even redundant. In many contexts, "circulated" alone is preferred.