Phrasal verb
revolve around
Definition
phrasal verb. to have someone or something as the main interest or focus. You use this when one thing is the most important part of a situation.
phrasal verb. To have a particular person or thing as the primary focus or center of interest. The verb functions intransitively, requiring the preposition 'around' to link to its central subject.
Examples
“Her whole life seems to revolve around her new job.”
“The discussion at the meeting tended to revolve around the budget cuts rather than the new project proposals.”
“Copernicus famously proposed a heliocentric model in which the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun, challenging centuries of geocentric belief.”
Examples
simple
“Her whole life seems to revolve around her new job.”
contextual
“The discussion at the meeting tended to revolve around the budget cuts rather than the new project proposals.”
complex
“Copernicus famously proposed a heliocentric model in which the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun, challenging centuries of geocentric belief.”
Usage
The phrase is usually followed by a noun that represents the most important person or thing.
Teaching tip
Contrast the literal astronomical sense with the figurative social sense to help students visualize the 'center' of importance.
Pitfall
The story revolves around of a young boy.
The story revolves around a young boy.
The preposition 'around' does not require 'of' to connect to the object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
around
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
revolve + around + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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