pivot around

USAGE SUMMARY

"pivot around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an action or a plan that changes direction to focus on something else. For example, "The company pivoted around and decided to focus on developing new products instead of continuing down the same path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In Sweden the polska is a turning dance in 3/4 time, usually for couples, who grasp each other firmly and pivot around and around with a smooth, carefully coordinated step.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And once the iron atoms get hot enough and are free to pivot around, they prefer to align in the same direction as the gadolinium atoms.

Science Magazine

When you're planted, you can pivot around on one foot, but that foot has to remain planted if you're not dribbling.

WikiHow

The pivot around which we worked.

The Guardian - Music

My dead legs are the pivot around which things revolve".

The New Yorker

In primitive religions the tribe represents the pivot around which all worldly relations turn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet in "House of Cards," all the women pivot around Frank, or Peter, or the president.

The New York Times

It can be bolted onto a surface to prevent theft and pivot around to face customers.

The New York Times - Tech

Two adjustable gilded bronze candle holders pivot around a central column.

The New York Times - Arts

It is presented as being the pivot around which all human affairs of the past revolved.

The New Yorker

I mention that his plays often pivot around an event that's already happened.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pivot around" to describe a shift in strategy, focus, or perspective, especially when something central changes its position or role. For example, a business might "pivot around" a new market trend.

Common error

Avoid using "pivot around" when describing simple physical rotation unless there's also a change in focus or strategy involved. For simple rotation, use "rotate" or "turn" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pivot around" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a shift in focus, strategy, or direction. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pivot around" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a change in focus, strategy, or direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various reputable sources, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can also be used in professional settings. Remember to use "pivot around" when there's a genuine shift in emphasis or orientation, and not simply to describe literal rotation. Consider alternatives like "revolve around", "center on", or "focus on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revolve around

Indicates a similar concept of something being central, but implies a more continuous cyclical movement.

center on

Highlights the focus or main topic, suggesting that other elements depend on it.

focus on

Emphasizes attention being directed towards a specific subject or object.

hinge on

Implies that the outcome or success depends on a particular element or point.

turn on

Suggests dependency for functioning or success, with a slightly more conditional aspect.

be contingent on

Highlights the conditional nature, meaning something will only happen if another thing does.

depend on

Implies that one thing relies on another for its existence or operation.

be predicated on

Suggests that something is based on a particular assumption or condition.

be built around

Indicates a structural dependence, where other elements are arranged around a core.

be structured around

Similar to 'be built around', suggesting a deliberate arrangement around a central element.

FAQs

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

You can use "pivot around" to describe a strategic shift or change in focus. For instance, "The company decided to "pivot around" its new sustainable product line".

What's a good alternative to "pivot around"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "pivot around" include "revolve around", "center on", or "focus on". Choose the phrase that best captures the intended meaning.

Is "pivot around" formal or informal?

"Pivot around" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using a more precise alternative like "hinge on" or "depend on".

What does it mean when something "pivots around" something else?

When something "pivots around" something else, it means that the first thing changes its focus or strategy in relation to the second thing, often due to a change in circumstances or a strategic decision. It implies a significant shift in direction.