word went around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "word went around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that information or rumors have spread among people. Example: "After the meeting, word went around that the company would be expanding its operations next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"Word went around pretty quickly," says Mr. Pleitez.

The New York Times

When word went around that someone had torched an aisle, scores more looters rushed in.

The Guardian

"When word went around in the community of peace activists that we had hired a former Green Beret, eyebrows were raised everywhere," said Severo Ornstein, a computer scientist and a founder of the organization.

The New York Times - Tech

I had not been at Butlins long before word went around the local women who supervised us at work – who may all still be living in Clacton for all I know – that one of the busboys under their charge was due to go to Oxford University when the summer was over.

Independent

And the selling, word went around, would have to happen very soon, for Gavin's hut had been condemned by the Health Inspector, and if he had no money to buy a house he would have to go to jail or to an old people's home, where he'd eat boiled mutton all the time and no oysters.

The New Yorker

But as word went around, the bureaucracy wanted to increase that number to 85,000 families.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

In Somalia, word goes around quickly on which particular aid organisations are funding certain political groups or clans.

The Guardian

"Me and my cousin didn't know what was going on … there was word going around that we would be arrested for protesting against the Olympics".

The Guardian - Sport

Do you need to correct the word going around from a professor in India that the Moon will be totally invisible in half a billion years when it is only 10,000 miles further distant than it is now from us?

Cornell University

He added: "We have known for quiet some time [Robson would become eligible to play for England] but the word going around was 2014 so we thought we would leave it.

BBC

There's word going around the Christmas Island detention centre that the place will close as of June 30th.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "word went around" to indicate the informal spread of information or rumors among a group of people. It's suitable when you want to convey that the information wasn't officially announced but became known through informal communication.

Common error

Avoid using "word went around" in formal or official contexts. It's more appropriate for describing informal communication. In professional settings, opt for phrases like "it was communicated" or "the information was disseminated".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "word went around" is to act as an idiomatic expression indicating the dissemination of information. Ludwig examples show it in contexts where news, rumors, or announcements are being shared informally. It's a way of saying that something became generally known without being officially declared.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

4%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "word went around" is a common idiom used to describe the informal spread of information or rumors. Ludwig's AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "word went around" effectively conveys the idea of information spreading informally, it's essential to consider the context and audience to ensure appropriate formality. In formal settings, alternatives like "it was communicated" or "the information was disseminated" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

news circulated

Focuses on the formal spreading of news or information.

rumor spread

Implies that the information passed around may not be verified or entirely accurate.

gossip passed

Suggests informal and potentially private or sensational information was shared.

the buzz was

Refers to widespread excitement or interest about something.

it was rumored

Highlights the unconfirmed nature of the information.

the talk was

Emphasizes general conversation or discussion about a topic.

information leaked

Suggests that the information was shared secretively or against explicit permission.

the message spread

Highlights the organized or intentional dissemination of a particular message.

it was understood

Implies the spreading of implied understanding or agreement.

the scuttlebutt was

Informal term referring to rumors or gossip, especially within an organization.

FAQs

What does "word went around" mean?

The phrase "word went around" means that news, a rumor, or some information was spread informally among a group of people. It suggests that the information was not officially announced, but rather circulated through casual communication.

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

You can use "word went around" to indicate how information spread unofficially. For example, "After the meeting, "word went around" that there would be layoffs."

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

You can use alternatives like "news circulated", "rumor spread", or "gossip passed" depending on the context.

Is "word went around" formal or informal?

The phrase "word went around" is considered informal. It is better suited for casual conversation and writing, rather than formal or professional communication. For formal settings, consider using phrases like "it was communicated" or "the information was disseminated".