is around

USAGE SUMMARY

'is around' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is present in the immediate proximity. For example, "Have you seen my keys? I think they're around here somewhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unity is around 11%.

The Economist

This is around noon.

The New York Times

The problem is around".

Independent

Europe is around 0.3%.

Yale University

Normal is around five.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is around 100.

Harvard Business Review

Today that figure is around 60%.

The Economist

What if no one is around?

BBC

In Germany that figure is around 60kg.

BBC

The tax take is around £18bn.

BBC

Average rainfall is around 700 mm.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating an approximate quantity, follow "is around" with a numerical value. For example, "The cost is around $50".

Common error

Be specific when using "is around". Avoid vague statements like "Help is around", instead, clarify where or from whom help is available: "Help is around if you ask your supervisor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is around" primarily functions as a linking verb followed by an adverbial or prepositional phrase. It indicates the presence, availability, or approximate location of a person, object, or concept. Ludwig shows a great range of use cases of this linguistic expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is around" is a versatile expression used to indicate presence, availability, or approximate values. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including news, general writing, and scientific discourse. While "is around" is considered neutral in register, it leans towards informality and commonly appears in the news and media. When writing, ensure that the context of its use is not too vague and the reader understands the implications of nearness you are communicating.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is present

Focuses on the existence or availability of something or someone.

is available

Highlights the accessibility or readiness of something.

is in the vicinity

Emphasizes the nearby location of something.

is nearby

Simply indicates that something is not far away.

is accessible

Highlights the easiness of reaching or obtaining something.

can be found

Suggests the possibility of locating something.

exists in the area

More formal way to say something is present locally.

is within reach

Indicates something is easily obtainable or achievable.

is on hand

Implies readiness or immediate availability.

is close by

Highlights proximity, similar to "is nearby" but slightly more emphatic.

FAQs

How do I use "is around" in a sentence?

Use "is around" to indicate the presence or availability of something or someone. For example, "The manager "is around" if you need assistance" or "The price "is around" $20".

What phrases can I use instead of "is around" to indicate something is nearby?

You can use alternatives such as "is nearby", "is in the vicinity", or "is close by" to convey that something is not far away.

When is it appropriate to use "is around"?

"Is around" is appropriate in a variety of contexts, including informal conversations, news reports, and academic writing when you want to indicate presence, proximity, or an approximate value.

What's the difference between "is around" and "is available"?

"Is around" generally indicates presence or proximity, while "is available" emphasizes that something can be used or obtained. For example, "The doctor "is around"" means the doctor is present, while "The doctor is available" suggests the doctor can see patients.