Meaning trap

go around

circulate

to move from person to person or place to place, often spreading information, news, or an object.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

circulate

to move from person to person or place to place, often spreading information, news, or an object.

go around (be enough for everyone)

Another meaning of 'go around' is 'be enough for everyone'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

There’s a rumor going around that our teacher is leaving.communication
In my school, important announcements usually go around quickly because students share them on social media.IELTS speaking

Pattern: go around (something)

WrongA rumour went around to everyone.

RightA rumour went around.

'Go around' already implies it spread to people. Don't add 'to everyone'.

Patterngo around (something)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff A rumour is currently circulating among the staff.

Natural There's a rumour going around the office.

'Going around' is the everyday way to say something's spreading. 'Circulating among the staff' is formal.

Words that usually travel with it.

Not the same as 'go around' meaning 'avoid by moving around something physically.'

go around (be enough for everyone) — Another meaning of 'go around' is 'be enough for everyone'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.