are surrounded by

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are surrounded by it".

The New York Times

They are surrounded by water.

The Economist

Alexievich said, "We are surrounded by victims.

The New Yorker

Most are surrounded by high fences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You are surrounded by machinery and piping.

The New York Times

We are surrounded by light.

University of California, Berkeley

We are surrounded by confusion.

The Guardian - Books

They are surrounded by them.

The Guardian

We are surrounded by Russia".

The New York Times

"We are surrounded by fountains.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We are surrounded by tanks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are surrounded by", ensure that the surrounding elements are clearly defined to provide a comprehensive understanding of the context. For instance, instead of saying "They are surrounded", specify "They are surrounded by tall buildings."

Common error

Avoid using "are surrounded by" without specifying what exactly is doing the surrounding. Saying "We are surrounded" lacks clarity. Instead, clarify with "We are surrounded by obstacles" to add precision and meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "are surrounded by" is to serve as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being encircled or enclosed. Ludwig AI provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

38%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are surrounded by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase that describes the environment or context of a subject. It is most commonly found in news and media, scientific, and academic sources. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase effectively communicates the idea of being encircled or enclosed by something, and can be replaced by alternatives such as "are encircled by" or "are enclosed by" for nuanced meaning. When using this phrase, ensure that the surrounding elements are clearly defined to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are encircled by

Emphasizes a circular or complete enclosure, different from being generally surrounded.

are enclosed by

Highlights the sense of being contained within boundaries, offering a more definitive sense of limitation.

are encompassed by

Suggests a more comprehensive inclusion within the surrounding environment, emphasizing completeness.

are bordered by

Suggests a boundary or edge that defines the surrounding area, focusing on the demarcation.

are confined by

Implies a restriction or limitation imposed by the surrounding elements.

are besieged by

Conveys a sense of being under attack or pressure from surrounding entities, introducing a negative connotation.

are wrapped in

Conveys a sense of being covered or enveloped by the surrounding elements, implying protection or concealment.

are immersed in

Highlights a state of being deeply involved or absorbed within the surrounding environment, focusing on involvement.

are influenced by

Focuses on the impact of surrounding factors on the subject, shifting the emphasis from physical enclosure to influence.

are defined by

Highlights the defining characteristics provided by the surrounding environment, indicating a strong relationship between the subject and its surroundings.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are surrounded by" indicates that something is encircled or enclosed by other objects or elements. For example, "The city "is surrounded by" mountains."

What phrases can I use instead of "are surrounded by"?

Alternatives to "are surrounded by" include "are encircled by", "are enclosed by", or "are bordered by", depending on the specific context.

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

The choice between "is surrounded by" and "are surrounded by" depends on whether the subject is singular or plural. Use "is" for singular subjects and "are" for plural subjects. For example: "The house is surrounded by trees" versus "The houses are surrounded by trees."

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

"Are surrounded by" implies a physical or spatial relationship, indicating that something is enclosed or encircled. "Are influenced by", on the other hand, suggests that something is affected or impacted by external factors. While related, they describe different types of relationships.