swing around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swing around" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It usually means to suddenly change direction or opinion. For example, "The public's opinion on gun control has swung around in the past few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Emptied of passengers, it will swing around on a curving track and head back uptown.

The Washington Post

But the beavers can hear the boats.' We swing around and Sergei cuts the engine.

The Guardian - Travel

It's exhilarating; we tic tac off an underpass, leap low pillars, swing around street lamps.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There's been quite a swing around," said Richard Clarke, an analyst at Bernstein Research.

The Guardian - Business

I saw the saleswoman's head swing around as in a cartoon double take.

The New Yorker

"If I was working with someone else on a case, we'd swing around and stop," Mr. Giorgio said.

The New York Times

"Intellicast" -- an Internet site -- "says the wind is going to swing around and go calm for six hours," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Referees are never going to be perfect, but you would hope the balance will swing around," murmurs O'Driscoll.

The Guardian - Sport

Anything that will allow me to swing around at a height I've tried basically!

BBC

Let the bat swing around, getting the full force affect.

WikiHow

If you are left-handed, then your left leg will swing around clockwise.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swing around" to denote a physical movement in a curved path or a shift in opinion, strategy, or condition. Ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to literal motion or a figurative change.

Common error

Avoid using "swing around" in formal writing when a more precise term would better convey the intended meaning. Overusing it in abstract contexts can dilute your message. For example, rather than saying “the debate swung around to economics”, consider “the debate shifted to economics” for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swing around" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating movement in a curved path or a shift in opinion or situation. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating both literal and figurative usages, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

22%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "swing around" is a versatile expression used to describe both physical movement and figurative shifts in opinion or circumstance. As highlighted by Ludwig, it functions as a phrasal verb with neutral to informal register. It's commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Academia. While generally grammatically correct, writers should be mindful of the context to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in formal settings where more precise language may be appropriate. For describing alternatives, "pivot", "veer", and circle around provide nuanced options. Remember to use "swing around" judiciously, especially when precise communication is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change direction

A straightforward alternative emphasizing the shift in course.

pivot

Suggests a turn on a fixed point, often implying a strategic change.

alter course

Implies a modification of a planned route or path.

circle around

Suggests a movement in a circular path around something.

veer

Indicates a sudden change in direction, often in the context of travel.

turn about

Implies a complete change in direction or orientation.

spin around

Suggests a rapid rotation or whirling motion.

revolve

Implies a circular movement or rotation around a central point.

make a U-turn

Suggests a complete reversal of direction or opinion.

shift focus

Indicates a change in attention or emphasis.

FAQs

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

You can use "swing around" to describe a physical action, such as "The dancer "swung around" the pole gracefully", or a shift in opinion, such as "Public sentiment "swung around" after the announcement".

What's a good alternative to "swing around" when describing a change in direction?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "veer", "pivot", or "change direction" instead of "swing around".

Is it appropriate to use "swing around" in formal writing?

While "swing around" is acceptable, consider more formal alternatives such as "revolve" or "alter course" for enhanced precision.

What's the difference between "swing around" and "circle around"?

"Swing around" often implies a more dynamic and possibly forceful movement or change, while "circle around" suggests a gentler, more deliberate movement in a circular path.