in circles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in circles" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to repeatedly do or discuss the same thing without making any progress or reaching a conclusion. Example: The group had been discussing the issue for hours, but they were just going around in circles without coming to a solution.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's going in circles.

The New Yorker

We ran in circles.

The New York Times

We're just running in circles".

The New Yorker

Briefly, Collins walked in circles.

The New Yorker

"Pavement" keeps running in circles.

The New York Times - Arts

Traffic is going in circles.

The New York Times

Shadow runs in circles.

The New York Times - Sports

It's going in circles".

The New York Times

Fayez wandered around in circles, bewildered.

The New Yorker

He felt they were talking in circles.

The New Yorker

It seems almost Sisyphean, running in circles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in circles" to describe situations where progress is stalled due to repetitive actions or discussions. It's effective in both literal (physical movement) and figurative (argumentative) contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "in circles" when a linear or direct path is intended. The phrase implies a lack of forward movement, so ensure the context aligns with this meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in circles" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner of an action. It indicates a repetitive, non-progressive movement or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in circles" is a versatile expression used to describe repetitive, non-progressive actions or discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, conveying futility or a lack of advancement. Predominantly found in News & Media, it is suitable for neutral contexts. Alternatives include "going nowhere" and "spinning wheels". A key writing tip is to ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of stalled progress, while avoiding it when describing linear movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

running around in circles

Adds emphasis on the physical aspect of circular motion.

in a loop

Highlights the repetitive nature of a process or situation.

going nowhere

Focuses more on the lack of progress or advancement.

spinning wheels

Implies expending effort without achieving results.

getting nowhere fast

Emphasizes both the lack of progress and the speed at which it's not happening.

chasing its tail

Describes activity that is energetic but ultimately pointless.

stuck in a rut

Focuses on being trapped in a repetitive and unproductive situation.

retreading old ground

Focuses on revisiting previous points without making forward progress.

on a roundabout

Emphasizes circular movement without a clear destination.

fruitless endeavor

Emphasizes the lack of positive outcome from efforts.

FAQs

How can I use "in circles" in a sentence?

You can use "in circles" to describe physical movement, such as "The dog was running "in circles" in the park", or to describe a lack of progress, such as "We've been discussing this issue for hours, but we're just going "in circles"".

What's a good alternative to "in circles"?

Alternatives to "in circles" include "going nowhere", "spinning wheels", or "stuck in a rut", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "in circles" in a formal setting?

Yes, "in circles" can be used in formal settings to describe a situation where discussions or efforts are not leading to a resolution or progress. However, it's crucial to maintain a professional tone and avoid overly casual language.

What is the difference between "running in circles" and "going in circles"?

"Running "in circles"" often implies physical activity without purpose, while "going "in circles"" can refer to both physical and metaphorical situations where there is no progress being made. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the activity or the lack of advancement.