What is around? Pronunciation and usage in English

around means . Learn how to pronounce and use around through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of around

aroundadverb

/əˈraʊnd/
Definition & pronunciation of around

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "around" in English. It's a tricky one for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /əˈraʊnd/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. əˈraʊnd (the full word)
    • ə - This is a very short, reduced "uh" sound. It's like you're saying "uh" quickly and almost silently. It’s not a distinct syllable. Think of it as a light, unstressed vowel.
    • ˈraʊnd - This is the stressed syllable.
      • ˈraʊ - Say "row" with a slightly rounded vowel sound. Think of the sound you make when you're yawning or trying to form a "u" shape with your mouth. It's a mid-front rounded vowel. It’s a bit like the “aw” in “law” but softer and more rounded.
      • nd - This is pronounced exactly as it's spelled - "end".

Here's some tips and things to focus on:

  • The "r" isn't pronounced. It's a very common mistake to pronounce the "r". Don’t do it!
  • Rounded Mouth: The key to the "row" part is rounding your lips slightly as you say it – like you’re about to say "u".
  • Short, Reduced "uh": The first syllable is quick and subtle. Don’t overemphasize it.

Resources for hearing it:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you from a specific country or region? (Pronunciation can vary slightly).

Usage and examples with the word around in English

Let's break down how to use the word "around" in English. It's a wonderfully versatile word with many different meanings and uses! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. Spatial Location - Around = Surrounding

  • Most Common Use: This is probably the most frequent way you'll hear "around." It means surrounding something.
    • "The trees grew around the old house." (Trees were on all sides of the house.)
    • “There were people around the fountain.” (People were gathered nearby.)
    • "Put the books around the table." (Place the books on the table and beside it.)

2. Time - Around = Approximately / Roughly

  • Indicating an Approximate Time: "Around" is used to suggest a time that's not exact.
    • “I’ll be around 3:00 PM.” (I’ll be there sometime between 2:30 and 3:30.)
    • “The meeting is around lunchtime.” (It's planned for the middle of the day, generally between 12:00 and 2:00.)
    • “I finished the project around 5:00 yesterday.” (It was finished sometime during the late afternoon.)

3. Movement & Circulation - Around

  • Moving in a Circle or Spiral:
    • “The children were running around the playground.” (They were moving in a circle.)
    • "The wind blew around the building.” (The wind was swirling around.)

4. General Association / About / Concerning

  • Referring to a Topic or Subject: "Around" can indicate you’re talking about something.
    • “There's a lot of excitement around the new movie.” (People are talking about the new movie.)
    • “Let's talk around the issue, not directly confront it.” (Let’s discuss the topic in a less confrontational way.)
    • “I heard some rumors around town.” (People were spreading rumors.)

5. “Around” as a Prefix (Less Common)

  • “Around the Clock”: This idiom means continuously, 24 hours a day.
  • “Around the Table”: Used in meetings or discussions where people sit in a circle.

Phrases with “Around”

  • “Around the corner”: Near a corner.
  • “Around the world”: Globally.
  • “All around”: Everywhere.
  • “Get around”: To travel or move from place to place. (e.g., "He gets around a lot for his job.")
  • “Keep around”: To stay nearby or associated with someone.

Tips for Using “Around” Correctly

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "around" changes depending on how it’s used in a sentence. Pay attention to the surrounding words.
  • Be Specific (When Possible): While “around” indicates approximation, strive for more precise language when possible. Instead of "I'll be around 3," you could say "I’ll be here between 2:45 and 3:15."

Can you give me an example sentence you'd like me to analyze, or would you like me to focus on a specific type of use of "around"? For example, are you interested in how to use it with time, or in a particular situation (like describing a room)?

Synonyms for the word around

Practice with vocabulary around

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The children were playing __________ the park when it started to rain.
  2. She looked __________ the room, hoping to find her lost keys.
  3. The new coffee shop is __________ the corner, just a short walk away.
  4. The meeting will start __________ 3 PM, so please arrive on time.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. We walked __________ the lake to enjoy the view.
    a) around
    b) above
    c) across
    d) through

  2. The office is located __________ the main square.
    a) near
    b) around
    c) between
    d) inside

  3. The museum is approximately __________ 15 minutes from here by car.
    a) for
    b) around
    c) during
    d) at

  4. The company’s annual report was released __________ the end of the fiscal year.
    a) along
    b) before
    c) after
    d) beside

  5. The project deadline is __________ next Friday, so we need to hurry.
    a) around
    b) by
    c) with
    d) over

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The bus stop is near the library.
    → The bus stop is __________ the library.

  2. She spent the entire day wandering through the market.
    → She spent the entire day wandering __________ the market.

  3. The conference will take place next to the city hall.
    → The conference will take place __________ the city hall.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. around
  2. around
  3. near
  4. at

Exercise 2:

  1. a) around
  2. a) near / b) around
  3. b) around
  4. c) after
  5. b) by

Exercise 3:

  1. The bus stop is around the library.
  2. She spent the entire day wandering around the market.
  3. The conference will take place near the city hall.

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