Meaning & use
circles
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Meanings
nounplural
More than one round flat shape whose edge is the same distance from the center everywhere.
Grammar: Countable noun; the singular is 'circle'. Use 'a circle' for one and 'circles' for two or more.
Patterns
- draw circles
- two circles overlap
The children drew circles on the paper with a compass.
These two circles overlap in the middle of the diagram.
She cut the dough into small circles for the cookies.
nounplural
The groups of people you know or spend time with, especially in work or social life.
Grammar: Usually plural and often used with words like 'in' or 'among' to show belonging.
Patterns
- in ... circles
- move in ... circles
He moves in literary circles in London.
News of the deal spread quickly in business circles.
She is well known in political circles.
verbintransitive
Moves around something in a loop or follows a route that keeps returning near the same place.
Grammar: No object; often followed by 'around' or 'over': the plane circled over the city.
Patterns
- circle around something
- circle over something
The hawk circled slowly above the field.
A police car circled around the block twice.
The dancers circled around the fire.
verbtransitive
Draws a line around a word or picture to show it is important.
Grammar: Takes an object: circle the answer.
Patterns
- circle something
- circle the correct answer
Please circle the best answer on the form.
She circled my name on the list.
Circle the words you do not understand.
Word forms
| singular | circle |
|---|---|
| third person singular | circles |
| past tense | circled |
| past participle | circled |
| -ing form | circling |
Common combinations
- in ... circles
- She is respected in academic circles.
- circle around
- The helicopter circled around the building.
- draw a circle
- Use a coin to draw a perfect circle.
- circle the answer
- Circle the answer that fits best.
- social circles
- He has friends in several social circles.
Synonyms and how they differ
- rings
- Use 'rings' for thin round shapes or jewelry; 'circles' is the general word for any round outline.
- loops
- A loop is a curve that crosses itself; a circle is a simple closed round shape.
- groups
- 'Groups' is broader and can mean any set of people; 'circles' suggests social or professional networks.
Word family
Commonly confused: circles or circus?
circles vs circus
A 'circus' is a show with clowns and acrobats; 'circles' are round shapes or social groups.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'circles' correctly?
Choose one answer.
With 'she' we need the third person singular form 'circles': She circles the answer. The other options use the wrong verb form for this subject.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “circles”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.