be surrounded by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be surrounded by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone or something is encircled or enclosed by a particular object or group. Example: "In the garden, I want to be surrounded by a variety of colorful flowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Tender apples will be surrounded by a bubbly mahogany glaze.

The New York Times - Food

The one-seeded fruit may be surrounded by a brightly coloured nutlike structure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For TrES-1b appears to be surrounded by a massive ring system, like Saturn's but bigger.

The Economist

Bob was fortunate to be surrounded by a large and devoted family who adored him.

The New York Times

The woman's home will be surrounded by a car park for HS2's Birmingham Interchange.

The Guardian

When you find out you could be surrounded by a conspiracy, it's shocking".

The Guardian

This would be surrounded by a stone wall bearing "messages of hope" from these countries.

The New York Times

To her credit, she didn't want to be surrounded by a bunch of yes-men.

The New York Times

The structure would be surrounded by a gracious public park, and tourists would crowd the observation deck on the overhang.

The New Yorker

Surely if a progressive economist is allowed on at all, he's supposed to be surrounded by a pack of conservatives?

The New York Times

The chimney will be surrounded by a shallow, circular, acrylic greenhouse, 7km in diameter, that will provide the hot air.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "be surrounded by a" to vividly describe settings, emphasizing the environment or context around a subject. This enhances the reader's or listener's experience.

Common error

Avoid using "be surrounded by a" when the intention is simply to indicate proximity or nearness. Ensure that the context genuinely conveys an enveloping or enclosing scenario; otherwise, opt for alternatives like "near" or "close to."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be surrounded by a" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being enclosed or encircled by something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. This phrase describes the relationship between a subject and its environment, emphasizing the encompassing nature of the surroundings. Examples showcase its use across various contexts, from physical spaces to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be surrounded by a" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile verb phrase used to describe a state of enclosure or close proximity. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various domains. With examples drawn from reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and scientific journals, it is evident that the phrase functions effectively in both neutral and formal registers. This phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, consider the subtle differences between related alternatives such as "be encircled by a" or "be enclosed by a" to ensure the most accurate and impactful expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be encircled by a

Focuses on the action of forming a circle around something, emphasizing the complete enclosure.

be enclosed by a

Highlights the idea of being contained within boundaries, emphasizing the limitation of space.

be bordered by a

Suggests a boundary or edge is present, emphasizing the demarcation of space.

be flanked by a

Implies something is positioned on either side, emphasizing symmetrical placement.

be near a

Emphasizes proximity or closeness, without necessarily implying enclosure.

be close to a

Focuses on the idea of nearness and accessibility, without necessarily implying a complete enclosure.

be adjacent to a

Highlights the immediate vicinity of something, emphasizing a shared boundary.

be in the vicinity of a

Broadly indicates being in the general area, without a specific or defined boundary.

be amidst a

Suggests being in the middle of something, surrounded but also mixed within.

be among a

Indicates being included or present within a group, not necessarily completely surrounded.

FAQs

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

You can use "be surrounded by a" to describe physical environments, emotional states, or abstract concepts. For example: "The house will "be surrounded by a" lush garden", "I want to "be surrounded by a" supportive community", or "The project seems to "be surrounded by a" cloud of controversy".

What are some alternatives to "be surrounded by a"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "be encircled by a", "be enclosed by a", "be bordered by a", or simply "be near a".

Is it correct to say "be surrounded with" instead of "be surrounded by a"?

While "surrounded with" is sometimes used, ""be surrounded by a"" is more common and generally preferred in formal writing. "Surrounded with" may be acceptable in certain informal contexts, but ""be surrounded by a"" is usually the safer choice.

How does the connotation of "be surrounded by a" differ from "be accompanied by a"?

"Be surrounded by a" implies enclosure or a comprehensive environment, whereas "be accompanied by a" suggests presence alongside, focusing more on partnership or association rather than encirclement. For instance, a building might "be surrounded by a" park, but a person might be accompanied by a friend.