gathered round

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gathered round" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people coming together in a circle or around a specific point, often for a discussion or activity. Example: "The children gathered round the storyteller, eager to hear the next part of the tale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We all gathered round the TV.

Independent

Are you hit?" People gathered round.

The Guardian

The Democrats have gathered round the ISG report.

The Economist

The six youths gathered round and started hitting her.

The Guardian

The Anuak gathered round to hear the news.

The Guardian

The toddlers gathered round, ready to dive right in.

The New York Times

Gone are the days when families gathered round the wireless.

The Guardian - Tech

It was easier to keep the ball under control.Myths gathered round that conversation.

The Economist

In the 10th-floor classroom, students were gathered round with coursework packets and coffee cups.

The New York Times

Now here she was in her flat, with everything gathered round her: Martin's & Delia's books & furniture.

The New Yorker

Conde de Romanones' supporters gathered round him and almost carried him shoulder high.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gathered round" to vividly depict groups forming around a focal point, whether physical (like a fire) or abstract (like an idea). This phrase effectively conveys a sense of community and shared attention.

Common error

Avoid using "gathered round" to describe a single individual's actions or surroundings. The phrase inherently implies a group dynamic, so ensure the context involves multiple entities coming together.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathered round" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of people or things coming together in a group, often around a central point. Ludwig provides many examples where the expression suggests a focal point that draws people together, as in "The family gathered round the fireplace".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gathered round" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the act of people or things coming together in a group around a central focus. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informal usage. Related phrases include "assembled around" and "congregated around", offering similar but nuanced alternatives. When using "gathered round", ensure the context involves a group, and leverage its descriptive power to convey a sense of unity and shared attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assembled around

Replaces "gathered" with "assembled", suggesting a more formal or organized coming together.

congregated around

Substitutes "gathered" with "congregated", implying a spontaneous or unplanned gathering.

flocked around

Uses "flocked" instead of "gathered", conveying a sense of hurried or eager movement towards a central point.

rallied around

Replaces "gathered" with "rallied", suggesting a gathering for support or a common cause.

clustered around

Substitutes "gathered" with "clustered", implying a close and compact grouping.

converged upon

Emphasizes the act of moving from different directions to meet at a single point.

massed around

Suggests a large group forming around a central point.

swarmed around

Implies a rapid and overwhelming gathering, often in a disorganized manner.

circled around

Focuses on the circular arrangement of the gathering.

ringed around

Similar to 'circled around', but suggests a more complete and enclosing circle.

FAQs

What does "gathered round" mean?

The phrase "gathered round" means that a group of people or things have come together, usually in a circle or close proximity, around a particular point or object. It implies a sense of unity or shared focus.

What can I say instead of "gathered round"?

You can use alternatives like "assembled around", "congregated around", or "flocked around" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is it correct to say "gathered around" instead of "gathered round"?

Yes, "gathered around" is also correct and commonly used. Both phrases are generally interchangeable, although "gathered round" might subtly suggest a more intimate or enclosed setting.

How do I use "gathered round" in a sentence?

Use "gathered round" to describe a group forming around something. For example: "The children gathered round the storyteller", or "Reporters gathered round the celebrity for comments".