goes around

USAGE SUMMARY

"goes around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to a movement or action that repeats itself or circulates throughout a certain group or location. For example, "Rumor has it that Jack's been taking money from the cash register; it goes around the office that he's been doing it for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What goes around, comes around.

The New York Times - Sports

"How the time goes around".

The New Yorker

"Everyone goes around with headphones.

The New York Times

What goes around, etc".

The Guardian

It just goes around and around.

The New Yorker

"What goes around, comes around," he said.

The New York Times

What runs around, goes around, eh?

Independent

It goes around to everybody.

The New York Times - Sports

I guess what goes around comes around".

The New York Times

"What goes around comes around," Lore said.

The Guardian - Business

"In politics, what goes around, comes around.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "goes around" to describe a recurring cycle, ensure the context clearly indicates the element that is returning or repeating. For example, "fashion trends goes around every few decades".

Common error

Avoid overusing "goes around" in formal writing where more precise verbs like "circulates", "spreads", or "recurs" might be more appropriate. Using the phrase repeatedly can make your writing sound simplistic or informal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "goes around" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of circulation, recurrence, or dissemination. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is common and grammatically correct. Examples show it describing rumors, time, and even abstract concepts like karma.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "goes around" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that signifies circulation, recurrence, or widespread presence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It appears frequently in news media and general writing and carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. While "goes around" is generally acceptable, in more formal settings, consider using alternatives such as "circulates" or "is disseminated" for greater precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

circulates

This alternative emphasizes the movement of something from place to place or person to person.

is doing the rounds

This idiom suggests that news or information is being passed around a group of people.

spreads

Highlights the expansive dissemination of something, such as news, disease, or influence.

is passed around

Emphasizes the act of physically or figuratively handing something from one person to another.

is prevalent

This emphasizes the widespread existence or acceptance of something.

is in circulation

Implies that something is actively being passed around or used within a system.

is rumored

Implies that something is being spread informally as a rumor or unverified information.

revolves

This indicates that something is focused on or centered around a particular point or idea.

is bandied about

Suggests that something is being discussed casually and often without much thought.

is communicated

Focuses on the act of information being transferred between individuals or groups.

FAQs

What does "what goes around comes around" mean?

The expression "what goes around comes around" means that your actions, whether good or bad, will eventually have consequences that affect you. It suggests a sense of karmic justice or reciprocity.

How can I use "goes around" in a sentence about rumors?

You can say, "A rumor "goes around" that the company is planning layoffs," indicating the rumor is spreading among people.

What is a more formal alternative to "goes around"?

Depending on the context, you could use "circulates", "is disseminated", or "is propagated" as more formal alternatives to "goes around".

Is it correct to say "go around" instead of ""goes around""?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "go around" with plural subjects (e.g., "rumors go around"). Use "goes around" with singular subjects (e.g., "a rumor goes around").