Cordoned off

USAGE SUMMARY

"cordoned off" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe an area that has been enclosed or restricted, often for safety or security reasons. An example: "The police cordoned off the area surrounding the crime scene." Alternative expressions include "sealed off" and "blocked off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Police cordoned off subway entrances.

The New York Times

Authorities have cordoned off the area.

The New York Times

22nd and Broadway all cordoned off".

The New York Times

Law enforcement had cordoned off a lane.

The New Yorker

Streets were cordoned off for blocks around.

The New York Times

Police officers cordoned off the storefront.

The New York Times

"They have the whole area cordoned off".

The Guardian

The property remained cordoned off today.

The Guardian

Police have cordoned off the area.

The Guardian

Security forces have cordoned off main roads.

The New York Times

More than 100 police officers cordoned off the area.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cordoned off" to clearly indicate that an area has been officially blocked, usually by authorities, to prevent entry or exit. This term is most effective when describing situations involving law enforcement, emergency services, or security measures.

Common error

Avoid using "cordoned off" in casual conversation or writing where a simpler term like "blocked" or "closed" would suffice. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cordoned off" is that of a phrasal verb in the passive voice, typically used to describe an area that has been enclosed or restricted by authorities. Ludwig AI confirms this, and many examples illustrate its use in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cordoned off" is a phrasal verb predominantly used in the passive voice, typically found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, this term is grammatically correct and serves to inform audiences that an area has been officially restricted, often by authorities, for safety or investigative purposes. While grammatically correct, its formal tone makes it less suitable for casual conversation; alternatives like "blocked off" or "sealed off" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Top sources employing this phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian and BBC. Therefore, while versatile, "cordoned off" is best reserved for situations where you want to convey official restriction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sealed off

Implies a complete closure, often for security or investigative purposes.

Blocked off

Suggests a physical obstruction preventing passage.

Closed off

A more general term indicating that an area is not accessible.

Barricaded

Indicates a defensive closure, often against unwanted entry.

Restricted access

A formal way of saying that entry is limited to authorized personnel.

Off-limits

A common term indicating that an area is prohibited.

Out of bounds

Similar to "off-limits", often used in recreational or sporting contexts.

Enclosed

Describes an area that is surrounded, though not necessarily restricted.

Perimeter established

A formal, often military or law enforcement term for securing an area.

Area secured

Indicates that an area is now safe and under control, often after a threat.

FAQs

How is "cordoned off" typically used in a sentence?

"Cordoned off" is commonly used in the passive voice to describe an area that has been enclosed by authorities. For example, "The crime scene was "cordoned off" by the police."

What are some alternatives to saying "cordoned off"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "sealed off", "blocked off", or "closed off". Each of these carries slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use "cordoned off" when describing a small, informal area?

While grammatically correct, using "cordoned off" for a small or informal area may sound overly formal. Consider using simpler terms like "blocked" or "closed" in such cases.

What's the difference between "cordoned off" and "isolated"?

"Cordoned off" specifically implies a physical barrier or restriction put in place by an authority, while "isolated" suggests a separation, which may or may not be due to physical barriers. An area can be isolated without being "cordoned off", and vice versa.