word got around

USAGE SUMMARY

"word got around" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that information or news has spread to many people. Example: "After the announcement of the new store opening, word got around quickly and people started lining up to be the first ones inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

As word got around, the crowds swelled.

The New Yorker

I got their support, and word got around".

The New York Times

Word got around, and after that ailing villagers sometimes showed up at my door.

The New Yorker

As the word got around, students from other houses joined both to listen and to speak.

The Economist

Once word got around, they feared, teachers and coaches would start writing the girls off.

The New York Times

When word got around, several local community organizations wanted it in their neighborhoods, he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "word got around" when you want to emphasize the informal and organic spread of information, as opposed to an official announcement.

Common error

Avoid using "word got around" in contexts that require formal or official language. Use more appropriate phrases like "it was announced" or "it was reported" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "word got around" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the informal spread of news or information. The Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "word got around" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to describe the informal spreading of information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media, it conveys a sense of organic dissemination, suitable for neutral to informal contexts. When choosing alternatives, consider the nuance you wish to convey – whether it's the speed of the spread ("news spread"), the secrecy involved ("the secret was out"), or the uncertainty of the facts ("the rumor circulated"). For formal settings, opt for phrases like "it was reported" or "it became known".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

news spread

This alternative is more concise and focuses on the act of information spreading.

people found out

This is a more direct and informal way of saying that information became known.

the rumor circulated

This suggests that the information might not be entirely factual.

it became known

This is a more formal and passive way of saying the same thing.

the information leaked

This implies that the information was meant to be private.

the secret was out

Suggests that something previously hidden has been revealed.

it was discovered

This suggests that the information was uncovered, rather than simply spread.

the message diffused

Implies a gradual and widespread distribution of information.

awareness grew

Focuses on the increasing recognition or understanding of something.

the buzz started

Indicates the beginning of excitement and conversation about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "word got around" to indicate that news or information spread informally and often quickly. For example, "Word got around that the concert was canceled, so many people didn't show up".

What's a more formal way to say "word got around"?

More formal alternatives to "word got around" include "it became known", "it was reported", or "information circulated".

Is "word gets around" or "word got around" correct?

"Word gets around" refers to the present or future, while "word got around" refers to the past. Choose the tense that matches the time frame you're describing. See: "word gets around".

What can I say instead of "word got around" when the information is a secret?

If the information was a secret that was revealed, you could say "the secret was out" or "it was discovered".