barrier surrounding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barrier surrounding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or metaphorical barrier that encircles or encloses something. Example: "The barrier surrounding the park was designed to keep wildlife safe from urban development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Though internal barriers and checkpoints were lifted, there existed a larger, seemingly impermeable barrier surrounding every aspect of our lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some people broke down a section of the wire barrier surrounding the pitch and set fire to benches and terraces.

The Guardian - Sport

The chest-high glass barrier surrounding the deck acted as a windbreaker, and with the sun shining there was no need for a jacket.

The Guardian - Travel

The KBS-3 underground nuclear waste repository concept designed by the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Co. (SKB) includes a bentonite buffer barrier surrounding the copper canisters and the iron insert where spent nuclear fuel will be placed.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

The piece of nucleus (alpha particle) has insufficient energy as a particle to overcome the force barrier surrounding the nucleus; but as a wave it can leak through the barrier that is, it has a finite probability of being found outside the nucleus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A spectator was also injured when the fourth bull of the afternoon jumped the wooden barrier surrounding the bullring.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Israel's West Bank barrier surrounds the site and separates it from Bethlehem.

The Guardian

On game day, fans saw eight-foot-high fences and concrete barriers surrounding the Louisiana Superdome.

The New York Times - Sports

Whether gender barriers surrounding baking have been smashed around the country, it's too soon to say.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Another aim is to "break down barriers" surrounding the perception of concerts, particularly those of contemporary music.

Independent

I recently moved to Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, and started noticing concrete barriers surrounding subway gratings all over the neighborhood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "barrier surrounding" a geographical feature, specify the material and the purpose of the structure for clarity and impact. For example, instead of "the barrier surrounding the island", use "the concrete barrier surrounding the island, designed to protect it from coastal erosion".

Common error

Avoid using "barrier surrounding" for purely abstract or conceptual limitations. It's more fitting for physical or tangible boundaries. Instead of "a barrier surrounding creativity", try "a limitation on creativity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barrier surrounding" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun to specify the presence of a boundary or obstruction that encircles something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barrier surrounding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an obstruction or boundary that encircles something. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is versatile and found in diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's best reserved for tangible barriers rather than abstract concepts. When employing this phrase, remember to specify the barrier's material and purpose to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "enclosing barrier" or "encircling barrier" can provide subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enclosing barrier

Focuses on the act of enclosing rather than the relative position.

encircling barrier

Highlights the circular shape of the barrier.

perimeter barrier

Emphasizes the boundary or outer limit.

protective barrier

Highlights the barrier's function of providing protection.

confining barrier

Focuses on the restriction or limitation imposed by the barrier.

adjacent barrier

Highlights that the barrier is next to or adjoining something else.

adjacent enclosure

Emphasizes the act of keeping something within fixed boundaries.

surrounding enclosure

Highlights the surrounding nature of the structure as something that keeps something within boundaries.

bounding structure

Emphasizes that the fence or wall marks the boundary of something.

circumscribing structure

Highlights the encircling nature of the boundary or protective feature.

FAQs

How can I use "barrier surrounding" in a sentence?

You can use "barrier surrounding" to describe a physical object or structure that encloses something. For example, "The chest-high glass "barrier surrounding" the deck acted as a windbreaker."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "barrier surrounding"?

Some alternatives include "enclosing barrier", "encircling barrier", or "perimeter barrier". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "barrier surrounding" in a metaphorical sense?

While "barrier surrounding" is typically used for physical structures, it can be used metaphorically if the context clearly implies a restrictive or protective enclosure. However, consider alternative phrasing like "limitation on" or "obstacle to" for abstract concepts.

What is the difference between a "barrier surrounding" something and a "barrier protecting" something?

A "barrier surrounding" something simply describes its position relative to the object, whereas a "barrier protecting" something emphasizes its function. The two are not mutually exclusive; a barrier can both surround and protect.