go around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of moving in a circular path or avoiding something in a figurative sense. Example: "If the road is closed, we will have to go around to reach our destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's go around back".

The New Yorker

People go around and around and around.

The New York Times

We're going to go around here".

The New York Times

Is there enough merchandise to go around?

The New York Times

Look around, go around, go to villages.

The New Yorker

Now they go around like Bulgarians".

The New York Times

We only go around once!

The New Yorker

You have to go around and look.

International Journal of STEM Education

Plenty to go around, you'd think.

Forbes

There's blame to go around everywhere.

Forbes

It's interesting how things go around".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go around" to mean 'circulate', ensure the context clearly indicates the movement or spread of something, such as news or resources.

Common error

Avoid using "go around" in contexts where a more direct verb like 'distribute' or 'circulate' would be clearer, especially in formal writing. For example, instead of saying "We need to go around the documents", say "We need to distribute the documents."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go around" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often acting as a phrasal verb. It can denote movement in a circular path, distribution, or avoidance. Ludwig examples show its use in expressing the circulation of rumors or the need to bypass obstacles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

34%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go around" is a versatile verb phrase with multiple meanings, including circulating, avoiding, and moving in a circular path. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While "go around" is common, it's important to consider the specific context and choose more precise alternatives like "distribute" or "circulate" for formal writing to improve clarity. Understanding these nuances will help you use "go around" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread around

Emphasizes the distribution of something over an area or group of people.

circulate

Focuses on the movement and spread of something among a group.

get around

Implies finding a way to overcome an obstacle or restriction.

bypass

Highlights avoiding an obstacle or problem.

distribute

Focuses on the action of dividing and giving out something to several recipients.

skirt around

Suggests avoiding direct engagement with a topic or issue.

travel around

Focuses on movement to various locations within a specific area.

get past

Emphasis on overcoming the action of an obstacle or problem.

move about

Implies general movement within an area.

avoid

Implies to keep away from or stop oneself from doing (something).

FAQs

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

You can use "go around" in various contexts. For example, "The rumor is starting to "spread around"" or "We had to "bypass" the blocked road".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "go around"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "circulate", ""bypass"", "move about", or "avoid".

Is it correct to use "go around" in formal writing?

While "go around" is grammatically correct, it may be more appropriate to use more precise or formal alternatives like "distribute" or "circulate" in formal writing.

What's the difference between "go around" and "get around"?

"Go around" can mean to circulate or distribute, while "get around" often implies finding a way to overcome an obstacle or restriction.