congregated around

USAGE SUMMARY

"congregated around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a group of people coming together in a particular spot or area. For example: The onlookers congregated around the stage, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the singer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On Wednesday afternoon, residents and police officers congregated around the shooting site, where votive candles and a donation box with Mr. Jaminez's photograph had been placed.

The New York Times

After everyone had stopped fawning over Mr. Lowe, a group of media and political insiders congregated around Gene Sperling to congratulate him on his new job as President Obama's top economic adviser.

The New York Times

Multi-lobbed haustoria, and abundant mitochondria and multi-vesicular bodies congregated around or inside haustoria were present in both accessions.

BMC Plant Biology

Liberals congregated around an economically determinist theory.

The New York Times

Libertarians congregated around a government-centric theory.

The New York Times

Historians congregated around a common narrative.

The New York Times

They excitedly congregated around a yellow pole on the beach.

The New York Times

Others congregated around the wrecked pigs, building guilty sandwiches.

The New York Times - Style

The performers congregated around heaters while not onstage.

The New York Times - Arts

In India's biggest cities, fans congregated around outdoor screens or watched in restaurants and coffee shops.

The New York Times

Residents of the block said the rats congregated around construction sites on the block.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "congregated around" to vividly depict people or objects gathering in a specific location, emphasizing a sense of collective presence.

Common error

Avoid using "around" redundantly after "congregated". For instance, instead of saying "They congregated around around the campfire", simply say "They congregated around the campfire".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "congregated around" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating the action of people or things gathering together in a specific location. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "congregated around" effectively describes a gathering or assembly, often implying a focused grouping. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in news media, with less frequent appearances in scientific and travel writing. Alternatives like "gathered around" and "assembled around" offer similar meanings, while nuances in formality or the nature of the gathering can guide the choice of words. When using "congregated around", ensure that you don't redundantly use "around" in your sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gathered around

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of coming together in a group.

clustered around

Implies a close, often informal, grouping.

assembled around

Suggests a more organized or formal gathering.

massed around

Describes a large group forming around something.

thronged around

Indicates a dense crowd pressing closely.

converged on

Describes movement from different directions to a single point.

flocked to

Suggests a large number of people moving towards something.

rallied around

Indicates a gathering for support or a common cause.

swarmed around

Implies a dense, possibly overwhelming, gathering.

centered around

Focuses on the central element around which people gather, shifting emphasis slightly.

FAQs

What does "congregated around" mean?

"Congregated around" means to gather or come together in a group around a specific place or object. It suggests a focused gathering.

What can I say instead of "congregated around"?

You can use alternatives like "gathered around", "assembled around", or "clustered around" depending on the context.

Is "congregated around" formal or informal?

"Congregated around" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. More informal alternatives might include "hung out around" or "got together around".

How do I use "congregated around" in a sentence?

You can use "congregated around" to describe people or things gathering in a specific area. For example, "The students "congregated around" the professor after the lecture."