press around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "press around" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning without context.
It could be used in a context where someone is physically pressing against something or someone in a surrounding manner, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "As the crowd began to press around the stage, the security team struggled to maintain order."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

President Trump has been leading the press around by its collective nose for more than a year.

HuffPost

Older cats need special attention because their nails are thicker and can sometimes press around into the pads, cutting into them.

WikiHow

Older cats need special attention because their nails are thicker and can sometimes press around into the pads and cut into them.

WikiHow

There was always a lot of press around then.

The New York Times

We saw a lot of press around that.

University of California, Berkeley

"I didn't watch it just because of all the negative press around it," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

There's a lot of noise in the trade press around, did we get our money's worth?

Yale University

"The United States is a steadfast supporter of freedom of the press around the world.

The Washington Post

The word emerged in the press around June 1914, from the use of the term vortex.

The Guardian - Arts

Press around the edges to seal. 3 Beat together the eggs, cream, milk and vanilla extract.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A slew of private groups financed mostly by Americans are helping guide the press around Israel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical action, ensure the subject doing the pressing and the object being pressed around are clear to avoid ambiguity. For example: "They press around the cars and push their goods up to the windows."

Common error

Avoid using "press around" when a more precise verb would be appropriate. Consider whether "surround", "gather", or "push" would better convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "press around" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, combining a verb ("press") with a preposition ("around"). This combination creates a meaning that is distinct from the individual words. It indicates either a physical action of applying pressure from multiple directions, as seen in examples regarding sealing edges, or a figurative action of surrounding something, especially related to media coverage. Ludwig AI notes its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

11%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "press around" is a phrasal verb with a dual meaning: physically applying pressure from all sides or metaphorically surrounding something, often related to media attention. Ludwig AI identifies it as acceptable though not always the most precise choice. Its usage is common across various sources, particularly in News & Media. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying the subject applying the pressure and the object being surrounded. Consider alternatives like "crowd around" or "surround" for greater precision in certain contexts. While acceptable, it's important to evaluate if a more descriptive verb would enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crowd around

This alternative describes a gathering of people surrounding something closely.

surround closely

This phrase emphasizes the act of encircling something or someone in a tight manner.

throng around

Similar to "crowd around", this phrase suggests a large group gathering enthusiastically.

gather near

This is a more general term for assembling in proximity to something.

flock around

This phrase suggests a group moving towards something, often with a sense of excitement or urgency.

converge on

This alternative describes movement from different directions towards a central point.

push against

This phrase focuses on the physical act of applying force against something.

exert pressure

This option describes the application of force or influence.

apply force

A general term for using physical strength or influence.

build up pressure

This implies a gradual increase in force or tension.

FAQs

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

You can use "press around" to describe people crowding a location or someone physically applying pressure to something from multiple sides. For example, "Reporters began to press around the scene of the accident".

What are some alternatives to "press around"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "press around" include "crowd around", "gather near", or "exert pressure".

Is "press around" formal or informal?

"Press around" tends to be neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and choose the most accurate and clear phrasing for your communication needs.

What does it mean when someone says, "the press around something"?

This typically refers to media attention or coverage surrounding an event or topic. For instance, "the press around the new movie" means the media coverage and public discussion related to the movie.