they are around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'they are around' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group or groups of people or objects that are literally or figuratively in the vicinity. For example, "We don't know exactly where the kids are, but we know they are around somewhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They are around in spite of that".

The New York Times

And our children's friends, when they are around at dinnertime.

The New York Times - Magazine

If they are around, no one seems to know who they are".

The New York Times - Travel

They are around in this area but they are very, very rare".

The Guardian - Arts

"I don't think they are around," said Wilma David, 65, a baker at the restaurant.

The New York Times

LOUIS: Try an' understand the history of why things are what they are around here.

The New Yorker

Park rangers, when they are around, are scrupulous at ticketing for off-leash dogs in the wrong spots.

The New York Times - Sports

Even if they are around, consent will cause significant delay to the care of the patient.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

They are around 60% starch.

WikiHow

Get grouchy when they are around or mumble-growl to yourself.

WikiHow

Inhale profoundly and acknowledges all things as they are around then.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are around" to indicate presence or availability in a general sense. For example, "If you need help, the support staff are around all day."

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "they are around". Opt for more precise alternatives like "they are present" or "they are available" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are around" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the presence or availability of a group of people or things. Ludwig's examples show it's used to convey that someone or something exists in a certain area or is available for interaction. For instance, "They are around in this area but they are very, very rare."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are around" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the presence or availability of a group of people or things. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, although more formal situations may benefit from more precise alternatives. Usage patterns show that it frequently appears in news and media, wikis, and scientific articles. While versatile, remember to consider your audience and the level of formality required for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are present

Focuses on the physical presence of the group.

they are available

Emphasizes accessibility or readiness for interaction.

they exist here

Highlights the existence of the group in a specific location.

they can be found

Suggests the possibility of locating or discovering the group.

they are in attendance

Indicates that the group is present at a particular event or gathering.

they are on hand

Emphasizes the readiness and availability of the group to help or assist.

they are within reach

Highlights the proximity and accessibility of the group.

they are accessible

Focuses on the ease of reaching or contacting the group.

they are around about

Uses a more informal and colloquial phrasing to indicate presence.

they are situated

Highlights a group's particular position or location.

FAQs

How can I use "they are around" in a sentence?

Use "they are around" to indicate that a group or individuals are present or nearby. For example, "Don't worry, the doctors "are available" if you need them" or "If you need any help, the support staff "are present" all day."

What are some alternatives to "they are around"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "they are present", "they are available", or "they can be found".

Is "they are around" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "they are around" can be considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives like "they are present" or "they are accessible".

When is it best to use "they are around"?

Use "they are around" in informal or conversational contexts when you want to convey that a group or individuals are generally present or accessible without specifying an exact location or time.