Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Around and Surrounding



1/ Around and surrounding (as prepositions) can usually be interchangeable if they indicate a complete circle enclosing something at any given time.

Phil built a fence around (surrounding) his property.

The mountains surrounding (around) the village protected it from the wind.

2/ However, you must use around when the action indicates that eventually there will be a complete circle.

We walked around the house, inspecting the paint job.

The father drove around the block several times as the children looked for their missing dog.

Both actions eventually will form complete circles.

3/ Around meaning almost (adverb), however, cannot be interchangeable with surrounding.

It was around five o'clock when we arrived home.

He had around fifteen dollars in his pocket.

Note: surround (n.) sound, surround sound system.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Why is toilet paper vanishing from supermarkets?

FOX Business FOX BUSINESS - You might notice something unusual, not to mention unfortunate, next time you try to stock up on bathroo...