spiral around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spiral around" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a movement that circles outward from a central point, such as a winding path or a whirlpool. For example, "The small stream spiraled around the bend, cascading gently over the rocky banks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every time my mind started to spiral around and around these problems, I would focus on my breathing, one breath at a time.

The New York Times

loan is an attempt to turn that spiral around.

The New York Times

The AAA+ modules spiral around the DNA, as does the clamp, which is open.

University of California, Berkeley

The magnetic lines of force are helixes that spiral around the torus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Outside this is more material that forms a spiral around the central core.

The New York Times - Science

The winds spiral around a region of low atmospheric pressure known as the "eye".

The Guardian

The co-ops and rentals for low- and moderate-income residents spiral around a leafy semi-enclosed court.

The New York Times

If you pull the line tight, it straightens, and the cord is distorted into a spiral around it.

The Economist

There is agreement, however, that he halted his downward spiral around 1990 and began to cultivate a saner, stabler existence.

The New York Times - Books

Go up, spiral around and crash land and next time the job will be a whole lot worse.

The Guardian - Sport

Maybe Peston can attract heavy-hitting pols who don't love the BBC (watch that Manchester queue spiral around the building).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like thoughts or feelings, use "spiral around" to illustrate a cyclical or repetitive pattern. For instance, "concerns spiral around in one's mind".

Common error

Avoid using "spiral around" when a linear or progressive action is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "the discussion spiraled around the main point", use "the discussion digressed from the main point" if the conversation went off-topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spiral around" functions primarily as a verb phrase, typically used to describe movement in a circular or helical path around a central point or object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It indicates a dynamic action, whether physical or metaphorical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spiral around" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe both literal and figurative movement in a circular or helical path. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral in register, its specific connotation depends on the context, ranging from describing the path of a road to illustrating the cyclical nature of thoughts. Consider alternatives like "wind around" or "circle around" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wind around

Focuses on the winding aspect of the movement, suggesting a less structured path.

curve around

Focuses on the bending or curving nature of the path.

circle about

Emphasizes the circular motion, suggesting a more defined orbit.

revolve around

Implies a central focus, with the movement being secondary to this point.

encircle

Emphasizes the act of forming a circle around something, often implying containment.

coil around

Suggests a tighter, more compact winding, like a spring or snake.

twist around

Implies a more forceful or contorted winding motion.

loop around

Highlights the creation of a loop or series of loops during the movement.

gyrate around

Suggests a spinning or whirling motion as it circles.

circumscribe

Indicates a precise path outlining a shape.

FAQs

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

You can use "spiral around" to describe physical movement, like "The road "spirals around" the mountain", or to describe abstract concepts, like "Worries "spiral around" in my head".

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "wind around", "circle around", or "revolve around".

Is it correct to say "spiraled around"?

Yes, "spiraled around" is the past tense form of "spiral around" and is grammatically correct. For example, "The vine "spiraled around" the tree trunk".

What does it mean when something "spirals around"?

It means that something moves in a circular or helical path around a central point. It can describe literal movement or figurative patterns, such as recurring thoughts.