gathering around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gathering around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of people coming together in a group, often for a specific purpose or event. Example: "The children were gathering around the storyteller to listen to the enchanting tale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People started gathering around.

The Guardian

Fans kept gathering around him.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, suspicion is gathering around Robinette.

The New York Times - Books

Andiana!" the others call out, gathering around.

The New York Times

"Oblivion is gathering around the Jackson Whites," Weller concluded.

The New Yorker

It's as effective and homely as gathering around a hearth.

The New York Times

A small crowd began gathering around the men.

The New Yorker

Dark political clouds had been gathering around him.

Stanford University

"All the people gathering around the man attacked him.

The Guardian

I noticed a crowd was gathering around me.

The New York Times

Others were distracted by the intimacy of gathering around a long wooden table.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a spontaneous gathering, consider using "gathering around" to convey a sense of immediacy and informality.

Common error

Avoid using "gathering around" in contexts that require a more formal or organized tone. Opt for alternatives like "assembling" or "congregating" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathering around" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of people or things coming together in a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and widely recognized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gathering around" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that describes the act of people or things coming together in a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, it's most common in news and media contexts. When choosing this phrase, consider the level of formality required and whether a more precise alternative like "assembling" or "congregating" might be more suitable. Avoid using it when a more formal tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grouping together

Emphasizes the act of forming a group.

assembling

Focuses on a more formal and organized coming together.

congregating

Implies a gathering, often for a specific purpose or in a specific location.

flocking together

Suggests a large group moving towards a central point.

converging

Implies movement from different directions to a single point.

huddling together

Emphasizes closeness and often implies seeking warmth or protection.

clustering

Highlights a close grouping, often in a disorganized manner.

rallying

Suggests a gathering with a common cause or purpose.

meeting up

A more casual term for arranging to be in the same place.

collecting

Highlights the act of bringing individuals or things together.

FAQs

How can I use "gathering around" in a sentence?

You can use "gathering around" to describe people coming together in a group, such as "People started gathering around the speaker" or "The children were gathering around the storyteller".

What can I say instead of "gathering around"?

You can use alternatives like "assembling", "congregating", or "grouping together" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "gathering around" or "gathering 'round"?

"Gathering around" is the more formal and widely accepted spelling. "Gathering 'round" is an informal contraction and should be used sparingly.

What's the difference between "gathering around" and "surrounding"?

"Gathering around" implies a coming together in a group, often with a shared focus, whereas "surrounding" suggests being enclosed or encircled from all sides.