circulating around

USAGE SUMMARY

"circulating around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something, especially information, that is being discussed or shared by many people. For example, "Rumors of a new restaurant circulating around town have been exciting people for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The info circulating around is false".

The New York Times - Tech

There's a very interesting rumor circulating around out there right now.

TechCrunch

A few years ago this video was circulating around and it was the 1st time I had heard of her.

Huffington Post

The golf world has begun circulating around Bethpage State Park, where Tiger Woodspracticed on Monday.

The New York Times

There have been numerous unconfirmed sightings of Mark Tromp circulating around the media.

The Guardian

Under certain conditions it shunts blood away from the lungs, keeping it circulating around the body.

The New York Times - Science

A stack of dun-colored photographs was circulating around the room.

The New Yorker

They found a "cocktail of different strains" that were circulating around the population.

The Guardian

That the brown acid that is circulating around us isn't too good.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The incident quickly circulated around the Internet.

The New York Times

"We circulated around her, vying for attention.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "circulating around" to describe rumors, news, or information that is being widely discussed or shared within a community or group. It suggests a sense of movement and spread.

Common error

Be mindful of redundancy. Avoid using "circulating around" when "circulating" alone suffices, especially in formal writing. For example, instead of saying "the document is circulating around the office", consider "the document is circulating in the office".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circulating around" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to describe the movement or dissemination of information, rumors, or objects within a specific area or group. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a valid and frequently used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

8%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "circulating around" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the movement or spread of information, rumors, or objects within a defined area or group. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread usage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. While alternatives like "going around" or "being disseminated" exist, "circulating around" effectively conveys the sense of localized dissemination. Be mindful of potential redundancy and ensure clarity in usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going around

Simpler and more general, lacking the emphasis on a defined area.

in circulation

Focuses on the state of being distributed, rather than the action.

being spread

Focuses on the dissemination aspect, omitting the sense of movement or locality.

in distribution

Focuses on the state of being available across an area or group.

making the rounds

More idiomatic, implies a wider reach and less controlled distribution.

doing the rounds

More idiomatic, implies a wider reach and less controlled distribution.

making its way through

Emphasizes the progressive movement of something through a system or group.

being disseminated

More formal and emphasizes the act of spreading information.

passing from person to person

Highlights the interpersonal aspect of the distribution.

pervading

Suggests a more intense and widespread influence.

FAQs

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

Use "circulating around" to describe information or objects that are being passed or spread within a particular area or group, such as, "Rumors are "circulating around" the office about potential layoffs".

What's a simple way to describe something spreading?

Instead of "circulating around", you can use simpler terms like "going around" to describe something that's spreading, especially when referring to news or rumors.

Are there more formal alternatives to "circulating around"?

Yes, in formal contexts, consider using phrases like "being disseminated" or "in circulation" instead of "circulating around".

How does "circulating around" differ from "spreading"?

"Circulating around" often implies movement within a defined space or group, whereas "spreading" can refer to a broader, less contained distribution. So, "circulating around" adds the idea of something coming back after traveling.