to round it out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to round it out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate the completion or enhancement of something, often by adding additional elements or details. Example: "We have a great selection of appetizers, main courses, and desserts to round it out for our dinner party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

How she would love to round it out with her third title.

The Guardian - Sport

"And I'm really wanting to round it out a little bit.

The Guardian - Music

He does not try to round it out and create a sort of ending or fade-out.

The Guardian - Film

Night in 2012 DB De Bortoli Australian Chardonnay This pale, new-vintage chardonnay from De Bortoli shows a juicy and appetisingly peachy fruit quality with a touch of oak character to round it out and a lively balancing freshness.

Independent

You don't know your list until you've seen it published; maybe the reason for putting mine out yesterday with the "unfriendly" number (as they say in elementary-school math) of twenty-six fisms is that it awaited four friends to round it out, and there are four films that I find I miss from it as I'd miss friends.

The New Yorker

His central thesis, to round it out a little crudely, is that we watch sports not out of identification with the players but out of a kind of happy absorption in someone else's ability: "The euphoria of focused intensity seems to go hand in hand with a peculiar quietness.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Thundercat and multi-instrumentalist Terrace Martin were part of the project's creative nucleus, and in the final month they brought in Washington to help round it out with extra composing and saxophone.

The Guardian - Music

Finally, to round it all out, a few squares of bitter chocolate cut the sugar and provide a modest caffeine boost that stimulates conversation and helps your dinner party stretch long into the night.

The New York Times

With the Moscow-based Teriaeva on Buchla synthesizer, her friend Vadik Korolev on vocals, and a live trombone to round it all out, the track is a fun blend of musical aesthetics.

Vice

A free kick to Petrie rounded it out: eight goals, 19 minutes, one broken opponent in yellow and black.

The Guardian - Sport

By now you probably have a professional profile picture, an elegantly outlined experience section and even a few recommendations to round it all out.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of items, use "to round it out" to introduce the final item that completes the set or collection.

Common error

Avoid using "to round it out" when the subject is fundamentally incomplete or lacks core components. This phrase is best suited for enhancements, not foundational additions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to round it out" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used as a connector within a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable expression, usually indicating completion or enhancement. The purpose is to signal that something is being brought to a satisfying conclusion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Food

9%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Tech

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Lifestyle

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "to round it out" is used to express the completion or enhancement of something. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and sees frequent use in varied contexts, including news and media, food, and tech. It indicates that a final, often beneficial, element is being added. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "to complete it" or "to finish it off", ensuring the alternative aligns with the context of enhancement or finalization. Avoid using the phrase if the subject is fundamentally incomplete.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to complete it

Focuses on finishing something, removing the nuance of enhancing or balancing.

to complement it

Emphasizes enhancing something by adding elements that improve its quality, but not necessarily completing it.

to finish it off

Similar to 'complete', but implies a final touch or flourish.

to supplement it

Focuses on adding something extra to make up for a deficiency.

to enhance it

Highlights the improvement aspect, making something better than it already is.

to polish it

Suggests refining and improving the final details.

to put the finishing touches

Implies adding final details to perfect something.

to fill it out

Focuses on adding more content or details to make something more comprehensive.

to give it closure

Emphasizes providing a sense of finality or resolution.

to bring it to fruition

Highlights the achievement of bringing something to its full potential.

FAQs

How can I use "to round it out" in a sentence?

You can use "to round it out" to indicate the completion or enhancement of something, often by adding details. For example, "We have appetizers, main courses, and desserts "to round it out" for our dinner party."

What can I say instead of "to round it out"?

You can use alternatives like "to complete it", "to finish it off", or "to complement it" depending on the context.

Is "to round it out" formal or informal?

"To round it out" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, more precise language might be preferred.

When is it inappropriate to use "to round it out"?

It's best to avoid "to round it out" when referring to something that is fundamentally incomplete or lacking essential components. It's more suitable for additions that enhance or finalize something already substantial.