roundabout

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'roundabout' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'roundabout' as an adjective meaning indirect, circuitous or as a noun, referring to a circular junction where traffic can go in either direction. For example: "The roundabout was a maze of confused drivers who couldn't decide which way to go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Peperstraat 23-25, [phone], restaurantgreetje.nl, mains around €25. Open Tues-Fri, Sun 6pm-10pm, Sat 6pm-11pm Off the beaten track, this fish restaurant is something of an Amsterdam institution, despite its location by an out-of-town roundabout, next to the RAI convention centre.

The Guardian - Travel

Further examination of the Preserve website reveals this to be a roundabout way of saying: wallet out, knobhead, we're going to try to flog you an apron for $110.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Andreessen Horowitz, the US venture capital firm that backed Facebook and Twitter, has invested $20m £13mm) in a startup creating virtual reality from London's "silicon roundabout" area.

The Guardian - Tech

Drivers had to slow down for the roundabout, had time to see you and a place to pull in safely.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a magnificent roundabout – almost a Magic Roundabout – from which no one wants to get off.

The Guardian - Sport

The speech was preceded by a carnival-like atmosphere: hundreds queued happily outside in the heat, while others, without tickets, staked out with cameras the campus roundabout Obama's advance team reportedly wanted removed, for (ultimately unrealised) fears the Cadillac he travels in – the Beast – would fail to negotiate it.

The Guardian

Specifically, it makes you think: "Recording parodies introduce an interesting legal dynamic in which … oh wow, GoldieBlox games are pretty cool … you can make miniature dogs spin around on a roundabout and … oh, I'm doing it again, aren't I?" Of course, such thoughts are kind of the point.

The Guardian - Music

I'd like it to be Kadri, who has led from the first roundabout out of York and conquered Holme Moss brilliantly - but I doubt it.

The Guardian - Sport

"The Boko Haram gunmen are now at the Jeka-da-Fari roundabout in the centre of the city, firing indiscriminately and throwing pamphlets calling on people not to participate in the elections," resident Ali Dahiru said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I brought my Dad and some friends and of course we had to drive through the Magic Roundabout.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes when people use this phrase they seem to imply that Silicon Valley (or London's Silicon Roundabout) know what the future will hold and the rest of us will follow.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing directions, specify entry and exit points clearly when referring to a "roundabout" to avoid confusion. For instance, "Take the second exit from the roundabout."

Common error

Avoid using "roundabout" as a substitute for more precise terms like "indirect" or "circuitous" in formal writing. Choose vocabulary that aligns with the tone and context of your text for clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The word "roundabout" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a type of road junction. It can also function as an adjective, meaning indirect or circuitous. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

36%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "roundabout" is a versatile term, functioning as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it refers to a circular road junction, while as an adjective, it describes something indirect or circuitous. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. It's important to consider the context when using "roundabout", ensuring that the chosen meaning aligns with the intended message. Frequent in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, the word maintains a neutral register and is a common feature in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traffic circle

Specifically refers to the road structure, emphasizing its function in traffic management.

rotary intersection

A more formal and technical term for a "roundabout", often used in engineering and planning contexts.

indirect route

Highlights the circuitous nature of a path or method, similar to the adjectival use of "roundabout".

circuitous path

Emphasizes the winding and non-direct nature of a route or process.

circumlocutory

Describes a style of speaking or writing that is indirect and avoids the main point.

merry-go-round

Refers specifically to the children's play equipment, capturing the rotational aspect.

carousel

Another term for a merry-go-round, emphasizing the circular motion and often decorative nature.

circuitous reasoning

Indicates a way of thinking or arguing that goes around in circles without reaching a clear conclusion.

detour

Focuses on the act of taking an alternate route, often to avoid an obstruction.

convoluted explanation

Highlights the complexity and indirectness of an explanation or account.

FAQs

How do I use "roundabout" in a sentence?

As a noun, "roundabout" refers to a road junction where traffic moves in one direction around a central island. Example: "The new roundabout improved traffic flow." As an adjective, it means indirect. Example: "He took a roundabout approach to the problem."

What can I say instead of "roundabout" (indirect)?

You can use alternatives like "indirect", "circuitous", or "devious" depending on the context.

What's the difference between a "roundabout" and a traffic circle?

Generally, "roundabout" and traffic circle are used interchangeably, but modern roundabouts often incorporate design features that prioritize safety and efficiency, such as yield-on-entry rules.

Is it correct to say "go around the roundabout" or "go through the roundabout"?

Both phrases are commonly used and understood, but "go around the roundabout" more accurately describes the action of navigating it. "Go through the roundabout" might imply cutting across the central island, which is incorrect.