first circulated about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first circulated about" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It can be used when referring to the initial distribution or sharing of information, but it would be clearer to use a more conventional phrasing. Example: "The report was first circulated about the new policy changes in early January."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When word first circulated about the trip, Rodman said he planned to ask Kim to release American citizen Kenneth Bae, a Christian missionary who's been imprisoned in a North Korean labor camp for several months.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Cathy" at first circulated in only about three dozen newspapers.

The New York Times

Ms. Slater first circulated a petition signed by about 250 downtown residents, and then wrote to the court, voicing opposition to "a travesty" that made Martinez "a dumping ground for sexual predators".

The New York Times

But Karman had been an activist long before the news about her first circulated last January, when she was hauled off from her car and thrown into prison.

Forbes

Rumors about the research first circulated in March, inciting a debate over its implications.

Huffington Post

The rumors about Dukakis' mental health first circulated during his bitter primary campaign against Gov. Edward King in 1982, which he won.

Los Angeles Times

The keynote speaker, Google Assistant Product Manager Soufi Esmaeilzadeh, shared her story about being on a plane from SFO to Zurich when rumors first started circulating about the executive order.

TechCrunch

The imprint's name was first dropped earlier this month, as rumours circulated about Cults' major-label signing.

The Guardian - Music

The focus in large part began in 1983, when news stories circulated about Chen's becoming the nation's first mayor who was a Chinese-American woman.

Los Angeles Times

A story circulated about what had happened.

The New York Times

Wild rumours circulated about its finances.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity and impact, consider replacing "first circulated about" with stronger verbs like "reported", "announced", or "revealed", depending on the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "first circulated about" in formal writing. Opt for more direct and clear alternatives that specify the nature of the information's spread.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first circulated about" acts as a modifier, typically describing the initial dissemination of a piece of information or a rumor. It specifies the timing of the circulation relative to the event being discussed, as illustrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first circulated about" is used to indicate the initial spreading of information or rumors. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI highlights that it's not the most elegant choice, often sounding awkward in formal contexts. Ludwig examples reveal that the phrase is most frequently found in news and media, with more concise alternatives like "initially reported" being preferable for clearer communication. Consider the context and audience when choosing between "first circulated about" and its alternatives to ensure the most effective and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially distributed regarding

Replaces "circulated" with "distributed" and "about" with "regarding" for a more formal tone.

first disseminated concerning

Uses "disseminated" instead of "circulated" and "concerning" instead of "about", implying a wider spread of information.

initially spread concerning

Emphasizes the spreading aspect of the information, using "spread" instead of "circulated".

first reported regarding

Focuses on the reporting aspect, suitable when the information is news or an official statement.

initially rumored concerning

Specifically applies to rumors, highlighting the unverified nature of the information.

first mentioned regarding

Highlights the initial mention of something, replacing "circulated" with "mentioned".

initially shared regarding

Implies a more personal or informal dissemination, using "shared" instead of "circulated".

first communicated concerning

Focuses on the communication aspect, suitable for formal announcements or information.

initially released concerning

Emphasizes the official release of information, often by an authority or organization.

first disclosed regarding

Implies the revealing of previously unknown information.

FAQs

What does "first circulated about" mean?

The phrase "first circulated about" refers to the initial distribution or sharing of information, rumors, or reports. It suggests that something was initially spread or made known to a group of people.

How can I improve the phrasing of "first circulated about" in my writing?

Consider using alternatives like "initially distributed regarding", "first reported regarding", or "initially spread concerning" for clearer and more impactful writing. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "first circulated about" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, the phrase "first circulated about" is considered awkward and less common in formal writing. It's better to opt for more concise and direct alternatives to enhance clarity and flow.

Which is more effective: "first circulated about" or "initially reported"?

"Initially reported" is generally more effective because it's more concise and direct. It clearly conveys that something was reported for the first time, whereas "first circulated about" can sound roundabout. Consider the context and choose the phrase that provides the most clarity and impact.