muster around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "muster around" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a misinterpretation of "muster" which typically means to gather or assemble, but it is not commonly used with "around." Example: "The team mustered together to discuss the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The radical republican group Eirigi could only muster around 150 demonstrators at the southern end of Parnell Square.

The Guardian

Strength is in numbers, and the latest public display of Brotherhood support only managed to muster around 100 demonstrators.

Vice

At a time when the numbers you can amass in the streets is a signifier of your strength, the latest public display of Brotherhood support only managed to muster around 100 demonstrators.

Vice

Analysts say that Fondiaria and SAI can muster around 7% in Mediobanca.

The Economist

The latest poll in Florida shows that while Romney comes the closest to beating Obama in a hypothetical match-up (41% to Obama's 49%), the remaining candidates all muster around 35%.

The Guardian - Opinion

After all it's not easy to pass muster around security and reliability with the military and if one company can prove that they are capable in this regard, they could be set up well beyond this one deal.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Unbidden, ad hoc bands of home defenders mustered around Britain.

Independent

Since the start of the current conflict, protests have generally attracted a few hundred, with last Saturday's march in Tel Aviv mustering around 1,000.

The Guardian

In an earlier scene in the movie, one of the wolves is injured and the pack musters around him.

The New Yorker

Despite mustering around 30% of the vote between them, Strache and Haider are sworn enemies and are unlikely to be able to work together.

The Guardian

Helen, another recent British art film distributed by New Wave, did much worse, mustering around £22,000 – "It got very good reviews but nobody went".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "muster around" in formal writing. Opt for more standard phrases like "gather around" or "assemble around" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

The verb "muster" typically means to gather or summon, often in a military context. Avoid combining it with "around" as it creates an unidiomatic and grammatically questionable phrase. Instead, use "muster" on its own or with a direct object to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "muster around" functions as a verb phrase, attempting to describe the act of gathering or assembling in a specific location. However, Ludwig indicates that this combination is not grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "muster around" attempts to combine the idea of gathering ("muster") with a sense of location ("around"). However, Ludwig points out that it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. While examples do exist, more standard phrases like ""gather around"" or ""assemble around"" are recommended for clarity and correctness. It is best to avoid using this phrase in formal writing and professional contexts to maintain a high level of grammatical accuracy. Consider the context and choose a phrase that is both grammatically sound and effectively conveys the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gather around

Replaces "muster" with the more common and grammatically sound verb "gather", maintaining the sense of assembling in a group.

assemble around

Uses "assemble" as a substitute for "muster", providing a formal alternative with a similar meaning of coming together.

collect around

Employs "collect" to suggest a gathering, though it can sometimes imply a more passive assembly.

rally around

Suggests a more active and purposeful gathering, often in support of a cause or person.

converge around

Indicates a coming together from different directions toward a central point or topic.

congregate around

Implies a formal or organized gathering, often in a specific location.

group together

Simple and direct way of saying that people or things are coming together.

mass around

Conveys a sense of a large number of people or things gathering, often with a slightly negative or overwhelming connotation.

accumulate around

Suggests a gradual gathering or build-up of something over time.

cluster around

Implies a close and often informal gathering, typically around a central point of interest.

FAQs

Is "muster around" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "muster around" is generally considered incorrect in standard written English. It's better to use alternatives like "gather around" or "assemble around".

What does "muster" mean on its own?

"Muster" typically means to assemble or gather, often referring to troops or resources. Using it with "around" is redundant and grammatically awkward.

When is it appropriate to use "muster"?

You can use "muster" when you want to convey the idea of assembling or gathering something, such as "muster the courage" or "muster the troops". It's a strong verb that implies bringing something together.

Are there situations where "muster around" might be acceptable?

While technically incorrect, "muster around" might be used informally, although it's still advisable to opt for more conventional phrases. In formal or professional contexts, avoid this phrase altogether.