thrown around

USAGE SUMMARY

'thrown around' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe acts of carelessness, as in 'He was so careless, he just threw the ball around without thinking.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One that gets thrown around is insurance.

The New York Times

So the word 'young' shouldn't be thrown around so much.

The New York Times - Sports

Clutch is a word that gets thrown around too much.

The New York Times

I'm sure the term "no recourse" was thrown around freely.

The New York Times

I was just thrown around with the wind.

The Guardian - Sport

Nowadays, there are some big dollar amounts being thrown around".

The New York Times

"I was being thrown around in the blood.

The Guardian

An early name thrown around has been Tom WesTom-Jones.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Guy worked hard, got thrown around, but he showed up every day, and Rex played him.

The New York Times - Magazine

"An awful lot that is thrown around doesn't seem helpful and supportive," Holden says to me.

Independent

"The term 'vulture real estate' got thrown around," Mr. Ennis said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thrown around" to describe the use of words or phrases, consider whether a more precise term like "bandied about" or "frequently used" might be more appropriate for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "thrown around" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for alternatives that offer greater precision and maintain a professional tone, such as "widely circulated" or "frequently discussed".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "thrown around" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating careless or frequent distribution, either physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in written English. The provided examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from physical displacement to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "thrown around" is a common and acceptable phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms, used to describe actions of careless distribution, frequent discussion, or physical displacement. It's important to note that this phrase, as shown in the examples, occurs frequently in the News & Media. While versatile, "thrown around" should be used judiciously in formal writing, where more precise alternatives may be preferable. Ultimately, understanding the subtle nuances of "thrown around" and its alternatives enables more effective and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bandied about

Implies widespread and often casual discussion or circulation of an idea or rumor.

tossed about

Suggests being physically or metaphorically displaced or agitated.

kicked around

Indicates rough treatment or repeated consideration without resolution.

circulated widely

Focuses on the broad distribution or spread of information or objects.

widely discussed

Highlights the extensive conversation or debate surrounding a topic.

freely used

Emphasizes the unrestricted or common application of something, like a term or phrase.

passed around

Implies the act of distributing something among a group of people.

scattered about

Describes items being dispersed or spread in a disorderly manner.

flung around

Conveys a sense of forceful or uncontrolled throwing or distribution.

casually mentioned

Highlights the informal or offhand nature of a reference or comment.

FAQs

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

You can use "thrown around" to describe something being physically tossed carelessly, as in "The toys were "scattered about" and "tossed about" the room", or to indicate that a word or idea is being discussed casually and frequently, such as "The term 'innovation' is "widely discussed" in the tech industry".

What are some alternatives to "thrown around"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "bandied about", "widely discussed", "casually mentioned", or "scattered about".

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

While "thrown around" is generally acceptable, it may be better to use more formal alternatives such as "circulated widely" or "frequently used" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean when something is described as being "thrown around"?

When something is described as being "thrown around", it usually implies that it is being discussed casually and frequently, often without much thought or consideration, or that it is being physically handled or moved carelessly. Depending on the context, the phrase means the information is "freely used" in speech.