miles around

USAGE SUMMARY

"miles around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a large or vast area or distance. Example: The view from the top of the mountain was breathtaking, with rolling hills and valleys for miles around.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Flat for miles around".

The New Yorker

For miles around, the atmosphere was stifling from it.

The New Yorker

Word spread for miles around; a posse was formed.

The New Yorker

Byrd was dragged roughly three miles (around five km).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The sole Palestinian for hundreds of miles around," he says.

The Guardian

Car alarms were triggered for miles around, and the roof of a zinc factory partially collapsed.

The New York Times

(The Fermilab collider is roughly four miles around; the CERN collider is seventeen).

The New Yorker

Nothing was open for miles around, nor was anything likely to be soon.

The New York Times

For hundreds of miles around, the landscape is bare of trees except for the odd stump.

The Economist

For miles around, the earth looked as bare and clean as an empty, stage.

The New Yorker

"It had the only cotton gin for miles around".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "miles around" to vividly describe the extent of an area, especially when emphasizing emptiness, desolation, or the impact of an event across a wide region. For example, "There wasn't a single tree for miles around, only the endless expanse of the desert."

Common error

Avoid using "miles around" when you need to provide exact distances. It's a descriptive, not a precise, measurement. Use specific mile markers or GPS coordinates when accuracy is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "miles around" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate the extent or range of something. It emphasizes a broad area, signifying a substantial distance in all directions. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "miles around" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the extent of an area, often to emphasize vastness or scope. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and common. It is most prevalent in news and media, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. While it's a descriptive term rather than a precise measurement, it effectively conveys a sense of scale. Related phrases, such as "for a considerable distance" or "within a wide radius", can provide alternative nuances, while it is important to avoid using it for precise calculations. The phrase is very common, with many examples available in Ludwig's database.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a considerable distance

Emphasizes the extent of the area in question.

in the surrounding area

Focuses on the immediate vicinity and adjacent locations.

within a wide radius

Highlights the circular expanse from a central point.

over a large expanse

Stresses the vastness and breadth of the territory.

across a broad area

Indicates the expanse of the territory.

in a vast perimeter

Suggests an emphasis on the boundary or outer limits.

throughout a large region

Implies a more extensive geographical or administrative zone.

in the vicinity

Refers to the area immediately surrounding a particular place or location.

within an extended range

Emphasizes the reach or scope from a specific point.

over a great distance

Focuses on the length between two points in the area.

FAQs

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

You can use "miles around" to describe the extent of an area. For example, "The explosion was heard for "miles around"." or "There wasn't a gas station for "miles around"."

What can I say instead of "miles around"?

You can use alternatives like "for a considerable distance", "in the surrounding area", or "within a wide radius" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "kilometers around" instead of "miles around"?

Whether to use "kilometers around" or ""miles around"" depends on the geographical context and the audience. "Miles" is more common in the United States, while "kilometers" is standard in many other countries.

What's the difference between "in the area" and "miles around"?

"In the area" refers to a general vicinity, whereas ""miles around"" emphasizes a much larger and more extensive region. "Miles around" suggests a significant distance.