going around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'going around' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it as an idiomatic phrase to mean 'circulating' or 'being talked about'. For example, "There are a lot of rumors going around about the company's new plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's going around".

The New York Times

Was there false machismo going around?

The New Yorker

They were going around behind the house.

The New Yorker

"He's going around talking about Rosenberg".

The New Yorker

It's still going around, in circles.

The New York Times

"It's going around," he said.

The New York Times - Health

There's so much disinformation going around now.

The New York Times

You've heard this rumor going around.

The New York Times

I'm going around in Ernest's bathrobe.

The New Yorker

There were rumors going around about him.

The New York Times

"Going around the buoys was absolute carnage.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going around" to describe a situation, ensure the context clearly indicates what is circulating, whether it's information, an illness, or something else.

Common error

Avoid using "going around" when you need to describe a very specific and localized event; it implies a broader, less contained phenomenon.

Linguistic Context

Going around functions primarily as a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI indicates it is a correct and commonly used expression. It serves to describe the state of something circulating or being prevalent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "going around" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It signifies the circulation or prevalence of something, whether it be information, an illness, or a trend. While generally neutral in register, its usage spans from informal conversations to news reports. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it’s essential to ensure clarity regarding what exactly is circulating when using this phrase. Although the phrase is considered correct, consider the level of formality required by the context. In certain business or academic writing it may be appropriate to use "circulating" or "being disseminated". Top sources include The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Guardian which indicates its use in authoritative publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

circulating

Focuses on the movement or spread of something, often information or disease.

making the rounds

Emphasizes widespread distribution or dissemination, similar to rumors or news.

doing the rounds

Similar to "making the rounds", but with a slightly more informal tone.

spreading

Highlights the expansion or reach of something, be it an idea or illness.

making its way

Implies gradual progression or advancement, suitable for trends or changes.

floating around

Suggests a lack of clear origin or direction, often used for rumors or suggestions.

in circulation

Emphasizes availability and active use, such as money or information.

being passed around

Highlights the act of transfer or exchange between individuals.

being disseminated

Focuses on the formal or organized distribution of information.

making an appearance

Indicates a brief or occasional presence, suitable for trends or fads.

FAQs

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

You can use "going around" to indicate something is circulating or being discussed, as in "There's a rumor "making the rounds" about layoffs" or "A flu is "circulating" this winter."

What does "going around" mean?

"Going around" typically means that something is circulating, spreading, or being widely discussed. It can refer to rumors, illnesses, or trends that are prevalent.

Is it appropriate to use "going around" in formal writing?

While "going around" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "circulating" or "being disseminated" in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "going around" and "spreading"?

While similar, "going around" often implies a less directed or controlled dissemination than "spreading". "Spreading" suggests a more active and expansive distribution, while "going around" can be more passive.