find a way around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find a way around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how to overcome a problem or obstacle. Example: "When faced with the roadblock, we had to find a way around to keep the project on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We find a way around this hurdle.

European Journal of Operational Research

"Bacteria will find a way around it.

The Guardian

Yet traders find a way around such barriers.

The Economist

Skeptics predicted that officials would find a way around it.

The New York Times

A rock that England must find a way around.

The Guardian - Sport

The smarter artists find a way around this provincial myopia.

The Guardian - Travel

"With Byzantium, you can find a way around it.

The New Yorker

You have to find a way around to solve the practical problems.

The New York Times - Science

For now, some students may simply find a way around the provision.

The New York Times

If there was, smart terrorists would eventually find a way around it.

The Economist

The Crawfords always managed to persuade them to find a way around their property.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "find a way around" to show resourcefulness and problem-solving skills in your narrative, highlighting characters or entities overcoming challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "find a way around" when a direct solution is more appropriate or efficient; sometimes, facing the problem head-on is better than circumventing it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find a way around" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of circumventing or overcoming an obstacle. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "find a way around" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing the action of overcoming obstacles, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also sees usage in Academia and Science. The phrase conveys resourcefulness and is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. When considering alternative phrasing, options like "circumvent the problem" or "bypass the obstacle" can be used to convey similar meanings, with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Circumvent the problem

This implies avoiding the problem rather than directly solving it.

Bypass the obstacle

Focuses on going around a specific barrier.

Navigate around

Suggests skillful maneuvering to avoid an issue.

Get around

A more informal way to express finding a solution or workaround.

Discover a workaround

Highlights the act of finding a practical solution to a problem.

Find an alternative

Emphasizes the discovery of a different option or method.

Outmaneuver the difficulty

Suggests using strategy to overcome a challenging situation.

Solve the issue indirectly

Focuses on addressing the problem through alternative methods.

Sidestep the challenge

Implies avoiding a direct confrontation with the problem.

Find an escape route

Suggests finding a means to avoid a difficult or dangerous situation.

FAQs

How can I use "find a way around" in a sentence?

You can use "find a way around" to describe how someone overcomes an obstacle. For example, "Despite the regulations, they had to find a way around to complete the project."

What can I say instead of "find a way around"?

You can use alternatives like "circumvent the problem", "bypass the obstacle", or "navigate around" depending on the context.

Is it always better to "find a way around" a problem?

Not always. Sometimes addressing a problem directly is more effective than trying to "find a way around" it. It depends on the situation and the long-term consequences.

What's the difference between "find a way around" and "solve the problem"?

"Find a way around" implies avoiding or circumventing an issue, while "solve the problem" suggests a direct resolution. Finding a way around might be a temporary fix, while solving the problem aims for a permanent solution.