hover around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hover around" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that moves from one place to another without going very far from its starting point. For example, "The hummingbird hovered around the feeder, enjoying the sugary treat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They hover around on the margins.

The Guardian - Film

For now, the lower-priced sets hover around $600.

Forbes

(Prices this year will hover around $5,000).

TechCrunch

Yellow jackets hover around to investigate.

Vice

In the waitlist group, a similar trend is apparent, however, scores hover around 40.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The same goes for Monthly Collectible items, but they tend to hover around 15k.

WikiHow

His approval ratings hover around 40%.

The Economist

(Outside estimates hover around 500 total).

The New York Times

Estimates hover around the 130 mark.

The Guardian - Travel

Today, oil prices hover around $120.

The New York Times

Median home prices hover around $870,000.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hover around" to describe something that remains in a general area without settling in one specific location. For example, "Butterflies hover around flowering plants."

Common error

Avoid using "hover around" to describe precise orbital paths; it's better suited for less defined or aimless movements. "Orbit" implies a specific, often predictable, path, while "hover around" suggests more random or less structured movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hover around" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a type of movement or state of being. It indicates remaining in proximity to something. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hover around" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe movement or proximity without direct contact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across a broad range of contexts. Examples show that it's commonly used in news, media, and science. While "hover around" can be used to describe physical movement, such as bees hovering around flowers, it can also be used to describe abstract concepts, such as approval ratings hovering around a certain percentage. Related phrases include "linger nearby" and "remain in the vicinity". It is important to avoid confusing it with "hover over", which means to be directly above something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

orbit approximately

Describes a circular or near-circular movement around a central point or figure.

circle loosely

Focuses on the action of moving in a circular path, but with less precision or focus than orbiting directly.

linger nearby

Focuses on remaining close to a location, emphasizing a static presence more than the slight movement implied by "hover around".

mill about

Suggests aimless movement in a general area, often used when describing groups of people.

swarm around

Describes a dense gathering and agitated movement, often used in a negative or overwhelming context.

stay in proximity

Emphasizes maintaining a close distance, suitable for describing a general area rather than active orbiting.

congregate nearby

Emphasizes gathering in a close space, suitable for situations involving multiple entities.

remain in the vicinity

Suggests a less active presence, indicating staying within a defined area without necessarily moving much.

move in close

Highlights the act of approaching and staying near something, adding a sense of purpose or intention.

fluctuate approximately

Applicable when describing numerical values or abstract concepts that vary around a central measure.

FAQs

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

You can use "hover around" to describe something that stays in the general vicinity of a particular place or object without directly touching it. For example, "Bees "hover around" flowers to collect nectar."

What can I say instead of "hover around"?

You can use alternatives like "linger nearby", "remain in the vicinity", or "orbit approximately" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "hover around" or "hover over"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. "Hover over" implies being directly above something, while ""hover around"" suggests being in the general vicinity.

When is it appropriate to use "hover around" instead of "move around"?

"Move around" suggests general movement, while ""hover around"" implies a more localized and less directed movement. Use "hover around" when the subject remains in a limited area.