word gets around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'word gets around' is correct and can be used in written English.
Generally, it is used as an idiom to indicate that something is common knowledge. For example, "Word gets around - everyone knows you won the competition." Here, the phrase 'word gets around' is used to suggest that everyone knows the speaker has won the competition.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Word gets around really quick".

The New Yorker

Word gets around fast.

The New York Times - Science

"Word gets around," Mackey said.

The New York Times

"Word gets around fast," Sellers said.

The Washington Post

If that word gets around, Johnson may become permanently human.

The New York Times - Sports

"The surfing community is spread out, but word gets around".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Word gets around that Will is "working" for Karen for the weekend, which prompts many women asking for Will's "services".

Wikipedia

"The book has been steadily building audience over time, as word gets around, and that's pleasing too".

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Crozier said, "How do you do, Roxanne?" "How did you know my name?" "Word gets around".

The New Yorker

"Suppose word gets around that I fell for such a thing.

Huffington Post

"We don't promote it or advertise it," said the hotel's general manager, J. Edward Cecala, but word gets around.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "word gets around" to emphasize the speed and informality with which information is disseminated, especially within a community or group. It's ideal when you want to suggest that news travels quickly through unofficial channels.

Common error

Avoid using "word gets around" when referring to information that is deliberately kept confidential or restricted to a small group. The phrase implies a level of widespread knowledge that wouldn't apply in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "word gets around" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI indicates it signifies that information is becoming widely known. It typically acts as a statement within a sentence, indicating the spread of news or rumors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "word gets around" is a correct and commonly used English idiom that indicates information is spreading, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a statement signifying the spread of news. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, though adaptable to different contexts. Its prevalence in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, with authoritative sources like The New York Times frequently employing it, underscores its wide acceptance. To ensure proper usage, remember that it is best used when emphasizing the speed and informality of information dissemination. Conversely, avoid it when referring to confidential information, since it implies widespread knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everybody knows

Directly states the universal awareness of the information.

it's widely known

Focuses on the broad acceptance of the information as truth.

news spreads

Focuses on the dissemination of news rather than general information.

the news is out

Highlights that something new is available or being shared

the buzz is out

Implies excitement or anticipation associated with the information being spread.

it's no secret

Indicates the openness and lack of concealment regarding the information.

it's common knowledge

Highlights the widespread awareness of the information.

the grapevine has it

Suggests the information was obtained informally through rumors.

information circulates

Emphasizes the formal or official distribution of information.

gossip spreads

It specifically refers to informal conversation or rumors, often personal or sensational.

FAQs

How can I use "word gets around" in a sentence?

You can use "word gets around" to indicate that news or information is spreading quickly and informally. For example, "If you offer excellent service, "word gets around" and you'll attract more customers."

What does "word gets around" mean?

The phrase "word gets around" means that information or news is spreading quickly and becoming widely known, often through informal channels such as gossip or casual conversation.

What can I say instead of "word gets around"?

You can use alternatives like "news spreads", "it's widely known", or "everybody knows" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "word gets around" in formal writing?

While "word gets around" is more common in informal contexts, it can be used in neutral writing to convey the idea of information spreading quickly. In very formal writing, consider alternatives such as "information circulates" for a more professional tone.