on and around

USAGE SUMMARY

"on and around" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an area when something is occurring within that area and its perimeter. For example, "People were walking on and around the lake shore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The mini-industries cropping up on and around Instagram are fueled by the service's explosive growth.

The New York Times - Tech

And the domestic market for homes on and around the lake has almost ground to halt.

The New York Times

Unlike Orestad, Nordhavn is essentially an urban regeneration plan, on and around former shipping docks.

The New York Times

Telescopes on and around Earth watched for spectral signatures unique to water but found none.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of the most dramatic sightings were recorded on and around the Isles of Scilly.

Independent

On and around the battlefields, he made his first drawings and wrote poetry.

The Guardian - Arts

He said radiation levels remain normal on and around the wrecked vessel.

The New York Times

Pour the sauce on and around the fish6, scatter over the hot croûtons and serve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I took these snaps on and around the Fan Mile near the Reichstag.

The Guardian - Sport

Shops on and around the square specialize in Slovakian crystal and porcelain.

The New York Times - Travel

That's why I always love watching the young lads on and around their debuts.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on and around" to describe events or conditions affecting both a specific location and its immediate surroundings, such as "activity on and around the construction site".

Common error

Avoid using "on and around" when referring to areas significantly distant from the primary location. For example, instead of saying "the effects were felt on and around the entire country", use a more appropriate phrase like "across the country".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on and around" functions as a prepositional phrase used to describe a location and its immediate surrounding area. It indicates that something is happening both at a specific point and in its proximity. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on and around" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes a location and its immediate surroundings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. It is commonly found in news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the spatial context you intend to convey, avoiding its misuse for distant or unrelated locations. Consider alternatives like "nearby" or "in the vicinity of" if they better suit the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the vicinity of

Focuses on the area immediately surrounding something, implying a closer proximity than "on and around".

surrounding

Implies being directly adjacent to and encompassing something.

in the area of

Refers to a general region without specifying exact location.

nearby

Indicates a short distance from a specific point.

adjacent to

Highlights direct physical contact or immediate proximity.

in proximity to

A more formal way of saying "near", suggesting closeness.

in the neighborhood of

Suggests a broader, less precise area.

bordering on

Implies adjacency and potential overlap.

localized around

Focuses on something being concentrated in a specific area.

close to

A simple and direct way to indicate nearness.

FAQs

How can I use "on and around" in a sentence?

Use "on and around" to describe something that occurs both at a specific location and in its immediate vicinity. For example, "There was a lot of activity on and around the stadium before the game."

What phrases are similar to "on and around"?

Alternatives include "in the vicinity of", "surrounding", or "nearby" depending on the context and desired level of precision.

Is it grammatically correct to say "on and around"?

Yes, "on and around" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate activity or presence both at a specific place and in its immediate surroundings. Ludwig AI confirms this.

When is it inappropriate to use "on and around"?

Avoid using "on and around" when referring to locations that are significantly distant from the primary point of reference. In such cases, phrases like "across" or "throughout" may be more suitable.