fun to have around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'fun to have around' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is pleasant to be around, or has a positive influence on you. For example, "My grandmother is always so much fun to have around; she always has a great story to tell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"There are servers who are fun to have around," he said, "but they can't wait a table".

The New York Times - Style

He established himself as a guy with a sense of humour who would likely be fun to have around for the next four years.

The Guardian

"She is a lot of fun to have around;" In Dr. Benson's graduate class, Mother Noella did an independent course of study on cheese.

The New York Times

This led to the assumption that Vaughn was great fun to have around - something backed up by his regular cameo roles.

The Guardian - Film

I did have a brief fling imagining myself part of the Algonquin Round Table, but that ended when I learned that in real time Dorothy Parker was not actually all that much fun to have around.

The New York Times

But Lady Montdore is also clearly enormous fun to have around, and these dire traits make her excellent company, for the other characters as well as us – she makes Maggie Smith's dowager in Downton Abbey look rather average.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

That's what makes the ubiquity of tattoos among Americans my age so unsettling: When we all got them together, they became a symbol of youth, which is a substantially less fun symbol to have around when you are old.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm not sure how well he's going to do, but he's a fun guy to have around". The former British Superbike rider describes the opportunity he was afforded to stand in for Casey Stoner in the Repsol Honda MotoGP team in September as "a childhood dream".

BBC

I think I'm a pretty fun girl to have around. .

Huffington Post

Kate's coworkers -- Lucy Punch's BJ and Echo Kellum's Tommy -- are on board with Ben's arrival since they too would love to see Kate get her life back on track, and because Ben is just a fun guy to have around.

Huffington Post

Adams told the Guardian: "Straight away when he was younger everybody recognised he was a real talent and he was a fun little guy to have around.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fun to have around" to describe someone whose presence enhances an environment or situation, bringing joy or positive energy. For example, instead of saying someone is simply 'nice', you can say they are "fun to have around" to better convey their positive impact.

Common error

While "fun to have around" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in highly formal or professional settings where a more sophisticated or nuanced expression of value is expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fun to have around" functions as an adjective phrase that describes a person, object, or situation. It suggests that the subject is enjoyable or beneficial to be in proximity to. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Tech

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fun to have around" is a common way to describe someone or something that brings joy, positive energy, or benefits to an environment. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While it is generally informal, it is often found in news and media contexts, as well as tech and wiki articles. For more formal occasions, alternatives like "pleasant company" or "an asset to the team" may be more appropriate. To best utilize "fun to have around", use it when you want to convey that someone or something enhances an environment or situation, making it more lively or pleasant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good to have around

Emphasizes the positive contribution or helpfulness.

enjoyable to be with

Highlights the pleasure derived from the association.

pleasant company

Focuses more on the agreeable nature of the person.

easy to get along with

Highlights the lack of friction or difficulty in interacting with them.

a delight to have present

More formal and emphasizes the joy their presence brings.

a welcome addition

Highlights the positive impact of someone joining a group.

a great presence

Emphasizes their overall positive impact on an environment.

an asset to the team

Focuses on the valuable contributions they make.

makes things lively

Emphasizes their ability to bring energy and excitement.

a joy to work with

Specifically relates to a work environment and positive collaboration.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who is enjoyable to be around?

You can use phrases like "pleasant company", "enjoyable to be with", or "good to have around" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "fun to have around"?

It is appropriate in informal and semi-formal settings to describe someone who brings positive energy and enjoyment to a situation. It's best used when describing people or things that make an environment more lively and pleasant.

What are some more formal alternatives to "fun to have around"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a welcome addition" or "an asset to the team", which convey value and positive impact in a professional manner.

Is "fun to have around" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "fun to have around" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to describe someone or something that is enjoyable and contributes positively to an environment.