hovers around

USAGE SUMMARY

"hovers around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular number or amount that is not exact, or to describe something that is not settled or certain. Example sentence: The stock price hovers around $50 per share.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For Hispanics and blacks the figure hovers around $6,000.

The Economist

L'Occitane's market cap now hovers around $3.3 billion.

Forbes

Today, the population hovers around 2,000.

Vice

It hovers around and dangles in the complicated middle.

Huffington Post

The number hovers around 6.827.

The New York Times

Its market capitalization hovers around $2 billion.

The New York Times

Unemployment hovers around 80percentt.

The New York Times

The indoor temperature hovers around 40 degrees.

The New York Times

The population now hovers around 500.

The New York Times - Magazine

In Hénin-Beaumont, unemployment hovers around 16 percent.

The New York Times

Today, A. americana's population hovers around 700,000.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hovers around" in your writing, ensure the context makes it clear what the subject is fluctuating or approximating in relation to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "hovers around" when a precise figure is known and should be stated directly. Saying "The price hovers around $100" when the price is exactly $100 is inaccurate and misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hovers around" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. Ludwig AI suggests that it indicates an approximate value or position, suggesting that something is near a specific point without being exact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hovers around" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate approximation or fluctuation near a specific value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When writing, remember that "hovers around" should be used to convey an imprecise quantity, and avoid using it when a precise figure is known. Consider alternatives like "is roughly" or "is in the vicinity of" to subtly adjust the meaning. The frequency of the expression is very common and this reinforces the wide acceptance of this expression in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is roughly

Directly indicates approximation, simplifying the expression.

is estimated to be about

Explicitly indicates an estimation.

fluctuates approximately

This phrase emphasizes the back-and-forth movement and estimation.

approximates to

Highlights the concept of approximating a value.

is in the vicinity of

This suggests a position or value that is close to a specific point without being exact.

oscillates near

Emphasizes the periodic movement around a central point.

remains close to

This highlights the proximity to a certain value and that it is likely to continue doing so.

maintains a level close to

Indicates a sustained proximity to a specific level.

is in the neighborhood of

Similar to 'vicinity', this is more colloquial.

stays around

An informal way of saying that something remains near a certain level.

FAQs

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

Use "hovers around" to describe a value or quantity that is approximate or fluctuates near a certain point. For example, "The stock price "hovers around" $50 per share".

What are some alternatives to "hovers around"?

Alternatives include "is roughly", "is in the vicinity of", or "approximates to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "hovers around" is generally acceptable in formal writing when you need to indicate an approximate value. However, consider using more precise language if the exact value is known.

What is the difference between "hovers around" and "exactly"?

"Hovers around" suggests approximation or fluctuation, while "exactly" indicates a precise value. For example, "The cost "hovers around" $100" implies it might be slightly more or less, whereas "The cost is exactly $100" leaves no room for variation.