are surrounded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are surrounded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is encircled or enclosed by other objects or entities. Example: "The ancient ruins are surrounded by lush vegetation, creating a picturesque scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your senses are surrounded here.

The New York Times

They are surrounded by it".

The New York Times

They are surrounded by water.

The Economist

The Texians are surrounded.

The Guardian - Film

We are surrounded.

The Guardian

"They are surrounded".

The New York Times

Alexievich said, "We are surrounded by victims.

The New Yorker

Most are surrounded by high fences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We are surrounded by light.

University of California, Berkeley

You are surrounded by machinery and piping.

The New York Times

They are surrounded by them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are surrounded", ensure the surrounding elements are clearly defined to provide context. For instance, specify whether you "are surrounded" by physical objects, abstract concepts, or emotional states.

Common error

Avoid using "are surrounded" without specifying what is doing the surrounding. Ambiguous surroundings weaken the sentence and confuse the reader. Always clarify the surrounding elements for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are surrounded" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show its use in describing physical environments, abstract situations, and emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

37%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are surrounded" is a versatile and frequently used passive verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It effectively communicates the state of being enclosed or encompassed, suitable for various contexts from news and media to scientific and academic writing. When using "are surrounded", ensure clarity by specifying the surrounding elements to avoid ambiguity. Considering alternatives like "are encircled" or "are enclosed" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are encircled

Focuses on circular enclosure, emphasizing the form of the surrounding elements.

are enclosed

Highlights the act of being completely contained within something.

are encompassed

Focuses on the inclusion or coverage of all aspects or areas within the surrounding elements.

are enveloped

Conveys a sense of being completely covered or immersed in something.

are immersed

Highlights being deeply involved or absorbed within the surrounding environment.

are hemmed in

Suggests a restrictive or confined surrounding, limiting movement or options.

are confined

Emphasizes the limitation of movement or space due to the surrounding elements.

are besieged

Implies being under attack or pressure from all sides, adding a sense of threat.

are beset

Suggests a situation where one is persistently harassed or troubled by something on all sides.

are skirted

Implies that something is bounded along the perimeter

FAQs

How can I use "are surrounded" in a sentence?

You can use "are surrounded" to describe something that is encircled or enclosed by other things. For example, "The ancient ruins are surrounded by lush vegetation" or "We "are surrounded by" choices in life".

What can I say instead of "are surrounded"?

Alternatives include "are encircled", "are enclosed", or "are hemmed in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is surrounded" instead of "are surrounded"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is surrounded" for singular subjects (e.g., "The house is surrounded by trees"), and "are surrounded" for plural subjects (e.g., "They are surrounded by enemies").

What's the difference between "are surrounded by" and "are surrounded with"?

"Are surrounded by" is the more common and generally preferred phrasing. "Are surrounded with" is less frequent, but can be used to emphasize the abundance or layering of the surrounding elements. For example: "They "are surrounded by" guards" versus "They are surrounded with luxury and comfort."