A1preposition1K

Around

UK /["/əˈraʊnd/"]/US /["/əˈraʊnd/"]/

Definition

surrounding somebody/something; on each side of something

In simple words: in a circular direction; nearby

Examples

  • The house is built around a central courtyard.
  • He put his arms around her.
  • Our house is just around the corner.
  • The bus came around the bend.
  • There must be a way around the problem.
  • They walked around the lake.
  • They walked around the town looking for a place to eat.
  • I can't arrange everything around your timetable!
  • He **has issues around** food and dieting.
  • There are a lot of questions around her motivation.

Usage notes

Use 'around' to describe movement in a circular way or location close to something. Avoid it in highly formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of a merry-go-round going 'around' in circles!

Collocations

  • look around
  • turn around
  • walk around
  • get around
  • set around

Synonyms

  • about (1)

Antonyms

  • away
  • outside

Common mistakes

  • 'Around' confused with 'around about' (wrong context).
  • Using 'around' when only specifying one direction.
  • Omitting the preposition when combined with a location.