he was around

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "He was around" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts to refer to the presence of somebody or something. For example, "I heard someone was looking for me, but when I got to the office, he was around no more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He was around forty.

The New Yorker

"When he was around, we enjoyed ourselves.

The New York Times

The facial tics started when he was around ten.

The New Yorker

"Whatever he was around, that's what he turned into.

The New Yorker

"As long as he was around, he created an alternative narrative," said Wright.

The New York Times

I think he got his first guitar when he was around ten.

The New Yorker

While he returned home for occasional visits, he remained in facilities until he was around fourteen.

The New Yorker

"When he was around, you would know it," one doctor said.

The New York Times

Think of all those guys he was around just as a little kid.

The Guardian - Sport

Everything felt safe when he was around, because he never panicked, regardless of the circumstances.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Examples of the items include 'Felt I could not look after myself unless she/he was around' and 'Tried to control everything I did'.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context when choosing alternatives; "he was present" sounds more formal than "he was around".

Common error

Avoid using "he was around" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or professional alternatives like "he was present" or "he participated" for improved clarity and tone.

Linguistic Context

"He was around" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating someone's presence or existence within a specific timeframe or location. It typically conveys that the person was not only present but also potentially involved or had an impact on the situation. According to Ludwig, the structure is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was around" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate someone's presence or existence in a specific time or place. While its register is generally neutral, it leans towards informal and may not be suitable for highly formal contexts, where alternatives like "he was present" are more appropriate. According to Ludwig, the expression is perfectly fine in written English. Its communicative purpose extends beyond mere presence, often implying a connection or influence on the surrounding context, as demonstrated by numerous examples from news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was present

Focuses on the act of being in a specific location or situation.

he was in attendance

Emphasizes formal or official presence at an event or gathering.

he was nearby

Highlights physical proximity without necessarily implying interaction.

he existed then

Shifts the focus to his existence during a particular period.

he was in the vicinity

Similar to "nearby" but suggests a slightly larger area.

he was on the scene

Implies involvement or observation of an event as it unfolded.

he was within reach

Focuses on accessibility or potential for interaction.

he was among us

Emphasizes being part of a group or community.

he was still alive then

Highlights the fact of being alive during a certain time, often in contrast to a later death.

he was still kicking

Informal and humorous way of saying someone was alive and active.

FAQs

How can I use "he was around" in a sentence?

You can use "he was around" to indicate someone's presence or existence in a particular time or place. For example, "Everything felt safe when "he was around", because he never panicked."

What are some alternatives to "he was around"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "he was present", "he was nearby", or "he was in attendance".

Is "he was around" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "he was around" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use alternatives such as "he was present" or "he participated" for a more professional tone.

What does "he was around" imply?

"He was around" typically implies that someone was present in a certain place or time and potentially had an influence or connection to the events occurring then. It suggests more than mere existence; it hints at interaction or impact.