was born around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was born around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating an approximate time or date of someone's birth. Example: "She was born around 1990, but the exact year is not known."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"But I was born around 1910".

The New Yorker

The nun was born around 930, of Saxon stock.

The New Yorker

The wee sinkhole was born around 9 a.m.

The New York Times

It was born around 1959 in Berwich, Pa.

The New York Times

The modern pharmaceutical industry was born around the same time.

The New York Times

Laing was born around the time those photographs were taken.

The New Yorker

But Bosch, who was born around 1450, also knew about forbidden pleasure.

The Economist

He was born around 1850 in Alabama, but was brought to DeSoto Parish, La., during slavery.

The New York Times

He was born, around 1871, in Waipio, a village outside Honolulu.

The New Yorker

She was born around 1840 while her parents were enslaved by Van Lew's family.

The Washington Post

According to French reports she was born around 7.30pm on Wednesday evening.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing. "Was born circa" might be more appropriate for formal or academic contexts, while "was born around" is suitable for general use.

Common error

Don't use "was born around" if you possess precise birth information. This phrase is specifically for instances where the exact date is uncertain or unknown.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was born around" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb "was born". It serves to qualify the time of birth, indicating that the stated time is approximate rather than exact. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

22%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was born around" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for indicating an approximate birth time. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, particularly when the exact date is unknown or unimportant. While suitable for various contexts, from news articles to general writing, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "was born circa". It is frequently found in News & Media and Wiki and Academia sources. Remember to avoid using the phrase when the exact birth date is known to maintain clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was born circa

Uses "circa" to denote approximation, offering a more formal tone.

was born approximately

Employs "approximately" for a direct and clear indication of an estimated birth time.

was born about

Uses "about" as a simple way to express approximation.

was born in the vicinity of

Indicates a birth time near a specific period, focusing on nearness.

was born in the neighborhood of

Similar to 'vicinity', suggesting a birth time roughly around a given period.

was born in the range of

Specifies a range of years or time frame within which the birth occurred.

came into existence around

A more formal way of saying something began or was created around a specific time.

originated around

Shifts the focus to the origin or beginning of something, not necessarily a person.

emerged around

Suggests the appearance or start of something around a certain time.

dates back to approximately

Used for events or things, indicating an estimated starting date.

FAQs

How can I use "was born around" in a sentence?

You can use "was born around" to indicate an approximate birth year or time period when the exact date is unknown. For example, "She "was born around" 1950" or "The concept "was born around" the time of the French Revolution".

What are some alternatives to saying "was born around"?

Alternatives include "was born circa", "was born approximately", or "was born about". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "was born around" in academic writing?

Yes, it is acceptable, particularly when citing historical figures or events where the exact date is uncertain. However, in formal academic contexts, using "was born circa" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "was born around" and "was born in"?

"Was born in" indicates a specific place or time, while "was born around" suggests an approximate time. For example, "He was born in London" specifies the location, whereas "He "was born around" 1980" indicates an estimated birth year.