is not around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is not present or available at a particular time or place. Example: "I tried to call Sarah, but she is not around right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The super is not around".

The New York Times

The father is not around much.

The Guardian

Even when he is not around, his songs sustain him.

The New York Times - Arts

Whatever the outcome, Fisher is not around to see it.

The New York Times

My brother is not around so much these days.

The Guardian - Opinion

Too bad Rembrandt is not around to reap some of the profit.

The New York Times - Arts

But White, who has 15 goals in 402 career games, is not around to provide offense.

The New York Times - Sports

"If you're going through fertility, and someone is not around, that's a serious problem," she said.

The New York Times - Style

In Garber, one of the volunteers went to work for the telephone company so is not around enough.

The Economist

Huff's father is not around, but he's a presence nonetheless, as a convicted committer of emotional crimes.

The New Yorker

In the current sluggish economy, that kind of money is not around, and neither are those large-scale offerings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not around", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean physical absence, unavailability, or a more permanent absence.

Common error

Avoid using "is not around" when a more specific term like "deceased" or "retired" would provide clarity and prevent misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not around" functions as a predicate adjective phrase indicating absence or unavailability. It typically modifies a subject, describing its state of being in terms of presence or accessibility. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not around" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate absence or unavailability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal communication. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific context and whether a more formal or precise alternative might be more appropriate. When clarity is crucial, avoiding ambiguity about the extent and nature of the absence is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is absent

Replaces "is not around" with a more formal term for absence.

is unavailable

Indicates that someone or something is not accessible or ready for use.

is not present

A straightforward alternative that emphasizes physical absence.

is out of the picture

Suggests that someone or something is no longer involved or relevant.

is missing

Emphasizes that someone or something cannot be found.

has departed

A more formal way of saying someone has left.

is not in attendance

A formal way to say someone isn't at a specific event or place.

is away

Simply indicates that someone is not at the usual place.

is out of reach

Suggests that someone or something cannot be contacted or accessed.

is no longer here

Indicates a more permanent absence, sometimes used in a euphemistic way.

FAQs

What does "is not around" mean?

The phrase "is not around" generally means someone or something is absent, unavailable, or no longer present in a particular context.

When is it appropriate to use "is not around"?

It's appropriate when indicating someone's absence, whether temporary or permanent, or when something is unavailable or missing. For example, "My brother "is not around so much these days"" indicates a change in frequency of presence.

What are some alternatives to "is not around"?

Some alternatives include "is absent", "is unavailable", "is not present", or "is missing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "is not around" formal or informal?

The phrase "is not around" tends to be more informal. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "is not present" or "is unavailable".