cluster around

USAGE SUMMARY

"cluster around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a group of people or objects that have gathered together in an area or location. Example sentence: The group of reporters clustered around the mayor as he finished his speech.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leadership abilities cluster around and reinforce one another.

Forbes

As soon as they catch sight of our camera, they cluster around to tell their stories.

BBC

Houses cluster around the lot.

The Washington Post

Designer houses cluster around its base.

The Economist

We cluster around her maps and diagrams.

The Guardian - Opinion

Refugees begin to cluster around fog collector.

Columbia University

Themes that tend to cluster around various notions of uncertainty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Victims' rights groups cluster around him like barnacles.

The New York Times - Magazine

A few others cluster around the temporary bars, still drinking.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ferragamo, Vuitton, Dunhill and other chic-eries cluster around it.

The New York Times - Arts

Regions of altered chromatin accessibility cluster around transcription start sites.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cluster around" to vividly depict groups forming around a focal point, whether physical or abstract. For example, "Innovations cluster around periods of revolutionary change."

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary prepositions after "cluster around". The preposition "around" is already included in the phrasal verb. So, avoid saying things like "cluster around to" or "cluster around at".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "cluster around" functions primarily as a dynamic descriptor, indicating the action of forming a group or gathering closely around something or someone. Ludwig AI states that it describes a group of people or objects gathered together in an area. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it depicts spatial arrangements and the act of people or things drawing near.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "cluster around" effectively describes the action of people or objects gathering closely together. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It's a versatile phrase appearing in a wide range of contexts, from describing tourists around a landmark to abstract concepts like themes in literature. While generally neutral, it is most frequently found in news and media. Remember to avoid adding unnecessary prepositions after "cluster around" and consider using synonyms like "gather around" or "flock to" for variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gather around

This alternative is a more general term for assembling in a group.

congregate around

This alternative suggests a more formal or deliberate gathering.

flock to

This alternative implies a large number of entities moving towards a central point.

swarm around

This alternative suggests a dense and active gathering, often with a sense of urgency.

converge on

This alternative implies movement from different directions towards a single point.

group together

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way of expressing the idea of forming a group.

rally around

This alternative often implies a sense of support or unity around a common cause or figure.

collect around

This alternative emphasizes the act of bringing things or people together in one place.

huddle around

This alternative suggests a close and intimate gathering, often for warmth or protection.

circle around

This alternative implies forming a ring or enclosure around something.

FAQs

What does "cluster around" mean?

"Cluster around" means to gather closely together in a group around something or someone. It implies proximity and often a shared focus or interest.

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

You can use "cluster around" to describe people or objects gathering near something. For example, "Fans "fill the pews" and cluster around the doors to listen."

What are some synonyms for "cluster around"?

Alternatives to "cluster around" include "gather around", "congregate around", or "flock to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "cluster around to"?

No, it is not correct. The phrasal verb is simply "cluster around". Adding "to" creates a redundant prepositional phrase.