interesting to be around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "interesting to be around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is engaging or enjoyable in a social context. Example: "Her vibrant personality makes her interesting to be around at parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Not, say, Sepp Blatter, on the odd chance you could rifle through his desk while he was in the bathroom, but someone you really think might be fun or interesting to be around?

The New York Times

They were intelligent, interesting to be around, and I became great friends with some of them.

Huffington Post

A healthy balance of work and play will make you mature and interesting to be around!

WikiHow

"It was incredibly interesting to be around all that," he said.

The New York Times

I love PSD because the dogs have so much fun and the people are wonderfully supportive, kind and interesting to be around.

Harvard University

Even my slacker animals, though, do perform some yeoman labor: they are either pretty or funny or engaging, more than earning their keep by being interesting to be around.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I'll say he's been an interesting character to be around and is extremely talented".

The New York Times - Sports

Quite apart from the fact that motion gets the artistic juices flowing, there's the simple, undeniable fact – so wonderfully illustrated in Dominick Tyler's new book Uncommon Ground – that a country walk means you're more likely to be around more interesting, appealing words than you are when you're at home: "clitter" and "fingerpost" and "tumulus" instead of "sideboard" and "tax" and "USB".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Moonstar Mining Camp consists of scattered buildings and artifacts that suggest there's something else interesting to be found just around the corner.

HuffPost

It is your level of interest and willingness to engage in topics that makes you an interesting person to be around.

WikiHow

Be an interesting person to be around.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "interesting to be around" to describe someone or something that sparks curiosity and engagement in a social setting. It suggests more than just simple enjoyment; it implies a level of mental stimulation.

Common error

Avoid using "interesting to be around" as a generic compliment. Instead, specify why someone or something is interesting. For example, instead of simply saying "He's interesting to be around", consider "His unique perspective makes him interesting to be around."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "interesting to be around" functions as an adjectival phrase used to describe a person, place, or thing that is engaging and stimulating. Ludwig's examples show it is commonly used to convey that someone or something sparks curiosity and holds attention in a social context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "interesting to be around" is a grammatically correct and relatively common adjectival phrase used to describe something or someone that is engaging and mentally stimulating. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and generally carries a neutral tone. To maximize impact, be specific about why something is interesting, and avoid overusing the term as a generic compliment. Consider alternatives like "engaging company" or "stimulating companion" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enjoyable to be with

Focuses on the pleasure derived from someone's company.

pleasant company

Highlights the agreeable nature of someone's presence.

engaging presence

Emphasizes the ability to capture and hold attention.

stimulating companion

Implies intellectual or creative excitement from the association.

captivating personality

Focuses on the alluring or fascinating nature of someone's character.

fascinating to interact with

Highlights the intrigue and engagement derived from interactions.

a delight to spend time with

Emphasizes the joyful experience of being in someone's company.

good company

A simpler, more general term for someone enjoyable to be with.

never a dull moment

Indicates that being with someone is always exciting and entertaining.

keeps things lively

Focuses on the ability to bring energy and excitement to a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "interesting to be around" in a sentence?

You can use "interesting to be around" to describe a person, place, or thing that is engaging and stimulating. For example, "She is always telling fascinating stories, making her very interesting to be around".

What is a more formal way to say "interesting to be around"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "engaging company" or "stimulating companion" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "interested to be around" instead of "interesting to be around"?

No, "interested to be around" is grammatically incorrect. "Interesting" describes the quality of the person or thing that makes others want to be near them, while "interested" describes the state of wanting to know more about something.

What are some alternative phrases to "interesting to be around" that highlight different aspects of someone's personality?

Depending on what you want to emphasize, you could use phrases like "fun to be around" to highlight enjoyment, "intellectually stimulating" to highlight mental engagement, or "pleasant company" to highlight agreeable social interaction.