a high fence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a high fence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a fence that is tall in height, often for purposes of security or privacy. Example: "The property was surrounded by a high fence, ensuring that no one could see inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Here is a high fence, which he must scale.

The New Yorker

A high fence seals it off on evenings and weekends.

The New York Times

These were protected by a high fence and a redlettered sign: "Keep Out".

The New Yorker

Lines of brand new solar panels gleam behind a high fence.

The Economist

There was a high fence around his front yard, which appeared overgrown with weeds.

The New Yorker

Glassey chased him down the street to a school, which was surrounded by a high fence.

The New Yorker

Overnight, Fanus and the others made a break for freedom, climbing a high fence to escape.

The Guardian

There, looking through a high fence, we saw the top of a very large bronze statue.

The New York Times

A high fence topped with razor wire betrays its true function.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The farm is located on the outskirts of Astana in a residential area, but is surrounded by a high-fence and security guards.

The Guardian

Images of the ​US-Mexican border are often bleak a high fence, perhaps, some garbage, a guard or two and a vast expanse of space on either side.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a barrier, consider whether emphasizing its height, purpose, or overall size is most relevant to your context.

Common error

While "a high fence" is a common phrase, overuse can make your writing monotonous. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "tall barrier" or focusing on the fence's specific material and construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a high fence" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI validates this usage, confirming its grammatical correctness in describing a physical barrier.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

7%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a high fence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a fence of significant height. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples in various contexts, primarily within news and media sources. The phrase serves to describe a physical barrier, often implying security or privacy. While its usage is common, it's advisable to consider synonyms like "a tall fence" or "a security fence" to avoid repetition and enhance the descriptive quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tall fence

Focuses more on the height of the fence, emphasizing its vertical dimension.

a large fence

Emphasizes the overall size or extent of the fence, not necessarily just its height.

a security fence

Highlights the fence's primary purpose as a barrier against intrusion.

a perimeter fence

Indicates that the fence marks the boundary of an area.

a fortified fence

Suggests the fence is strengthened or reinforced for added protection.

a towering fence

Implies an extremely tall and imposing fence.

an imposing barrier

Focuses on the fence's role as a significant obstacle.

an elevated barrier

Emphasizes the raised or heightened aspect of the barrier.

a protective enclosure

Highlights the fence's function in creating a secure area.

a substantial fence

Implies that the fence is well-built and sturdy.

FAQs

How is "a high fence" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a high fence" is generally used to describe a physical barrier that is taller than average, often for security or privacy purposes. For example, "The prison was surrounded by a high fence to prevent escapes."

What are some alternatives to "a high fence"?

You can use alternatives like "a tall fence", "a security fence", or "a perimeter fence" depending on the context.

When should I use "a high fence" versus "a tall fence"?

While "a high fence" and "a tall fence" are often interchangeable, "high" can sometimes imply a greater sense of importance or security, whereas "tall" simply refers to the physical height.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a highly fence"?

No, "a highly fence" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "a high fence", where "high" is an adjective directly describing the noun "fence".