detour around

USAGE SUMMARY

"detour around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when referring to a route around an area, either literally or figuratively. For example: "We decided to take a detour around the cluster of tourists to avoid getting stuck in the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is completely by way of this detour around Jewel's horse.

Yale University

The euphoria that is meant to accompany parenthood took a detour around me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Senior Democrats privately embraced the idea, saying it could offer a detour around the looming crisis.

The Washington Post

It is possible to pass through some checkpoints, detour around others.

The Guardian - Books

Drivers had been using the ramp as a detour around the accident scene.

The New York Times

Or why, for example, the highway takes a detour around Boston instead of going through it.

The New York Times

To reach the statue now, you must make the lengthy detour around one end.

The Guardian - Travel

Of course, we expect all transcontinental passenger and military flights to detour around our yard and not cut across.

The New Yorker

Rather than walk across the prairie-size quad, you have to take a frustrating detour around the edges.

The New Yorker

But driving from his office back to my hotel I had to detour around thc center of town.

The New Yorker

Viewers had to step over it or detour around it to see the rest of the show.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "detour around" when you want to emphasize a temporary change in direction to avoid an obstacle or problem, whether physical or metaphorical.

Common error

Avoid using "detour around" when a simple 'avoid' or 'bypass' is sufficient. "Detour around" implies a more significant or noticeable change in course.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "detour around" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an action of changing course to bypass an obstacle. It combines the verb "detour" with the preposition "around" to modify the verb's meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "detour around" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the action of taking an alternate route to avoid an obstacle, both literally and figuratively. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, although is most frequently found in news and media. While alternatives like "go around" and "bypass" exist, "detour around" specifically highlights a temporary change in course. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a deliberate shift in direction, rather than a simple act of avoidance. Its versatility makes it valuable in everyday writing, allowing for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a detour

Similar to the original phrase but puts emphasis on making the detour.

go around

Focuses on the physical action of moving around an obstacle, less specific than "detour around".

bypass

Implies a more deliberate and efficient way of avoiding something, often technological or procedural.

circumvent

Suggests finding a way around rules or restrictions, more formal than "detour around".

avoid

A general term for preventing something from happening or encountering something.

reroute

Specific to changing a route, whether physical or metaphorical.

skirt around

Implies avoiding direct engagement or discussion of a topic.

evade

Suggests skillfully escaping or avoiding something, often with a sense of difficulty.

find an alternative route

Highlights the process of discovering a different path.

sidestep

Suggests nimbly avoiding something, often a question or issue.

FAQs

How is "detour around" used in a sentence?

The phrase "detour around" describes the act of taking an alternate route to bypass an obstruction or obstacle. For instance, "We had to "detour around" the flooded area" or "The company chose to "detour around" the legal issues by restructuring the deal".

What are some alternatives to "detour around"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "go around", "bypass", or "circumvent". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "take a detour around"?

Yes, "take a detour around" is a perfectly acceptable and common variation of "detour around". It emphasizes the action of initiating the detour.

When should I use "detour around" versus simply "avoid"?

"Avoid" is a general term for preventing something. "Detour around" implies a more specific action of changing your path or course to bypass something, suggesting a more involved or noticeable change than simply "avoid"ing it.