doing the rounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing the rounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe something, particularly an idea, that is circulating or being discussed by a lot of people. For example, "The rumor of a new movie doing the rounds has had fans eagerly awaiting more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several ideas are doing the rounds.

The Economist

It's already doing the rounds.

The Guardian

He told a joke doing the rounds.

The Guardian

A NEW joke is doing the rounds in Nigeria.

The Economist

There's a refrain doing the rounds this year.

The Guardian

An unofficial plot synopsis has been doing the rounds too.

The Guardian - Film

Back in November, there was a joke doing the rounds.

The Guardian - Sport

Yesterday, the figure of one million was doing the rounds.

The Guardian

A preview of the pilot started doing the rounds yesterday.

The Guardian

A new set of figures is doing the rounds.

The Guardian

An electoral video doing the rounds sums up Mr Dodik's style.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "doing the rounds" consider the context. It often implies something informal or unverified, like a rumor or joke, but can also apply to more formal announcements that are widely disseminated.

Common error

Avoid using "doing the rounds" in highly formal or academic writing where a more direct or factual statement is required. For example, instead of saying "The theory is doing the rounds in scientific circles", opt for "The theory is being widely discussed among scientists."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing the rounds" functions as an idiomatic expression that describes the circulation or widespread dissemination of information, rumors, jokes, or even people. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing the rounds" is a common and correct idiomatic phrase used to describe something—an idea, rumour, joke, or person—that is circulating widely. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically sound. Predominantly found in News & Media, it carries a neutral to informal tone. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in highly formal or academic contexts. Consider alternatives like "circulating" or "being discussed" for more formal settings. The phrase's high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist reinforce its reliability and appropriateness in many communicative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making the rounds

A very close synonym, simply replacing "doing" with "making".

going around

Similar to "circulating", this suggests something is spreading among people.

circulating

This alternative directly implies that something is being passed around or spread.

in circulation

Highlights the state of being distributed or available to many people.

on everyone's lips

Emphasizes that something is being actively talked about by many people.

becoming widespread

Emphasizes the growing prevalence of something.

being discussed

Focuses on the aspect of conversation and debate surrounding a topic.

gaining currency

Suggests an idea is becoming more accepted or fashionable.

gaining traction

Implies increasing popularity or acceptance of an idea or trend.

making headway

Indicates progress or advancement in spreading information.

FAQs

How can I use "doing the rounds" in a sentence?

You can use "doing the rounds" to describe information, rumors, or jokes that are being widely circulated. For instance, "A rumor about the company's acquisition is "making the rounds"."

What are some alternatives to "doing the rounds"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "circulating", "gaining traction", or "being discussed".

Is it appropriate to use "doing the rounds" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "doing the rounds" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use phrases like "is circulating" or "is being disseminated".

What's the difference between "doing the rounds" and ""making the rounds""?

"Doing the rounds" and ""making the rounds"" are essentially interchangeable. Both phrases mean that something is being widely circulated or discussed.