being encircled by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being encircled by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something or someone is surrounded by another entity or group. Example: "The castle was being encircled by a dense fog that made it look mysterious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Visitors entering the atrium of the Imperial War Museum have the same sense of being encircled by a protective cordon of serving members of the military.

The Guardian

The UN has responded to the attack by pledging to send security reinforcements and medical aid to the scene which was dotted with ambulances and being encircled by a military helicopter.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Thanks xoxo" is encircled by a big heart.

The New York Times

It was encircled by a rim of low hills.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(The other wrist is encircled by a plastic hospital tag).

The New Yorker

Truk is encircled by a 140-mile coral reef.

The New Yorker

Her childhood Eden is encircled by a darkness that both comforts and encroaches.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a raised coral atoll and is encircled by a reef.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Each pole, made of laminated magnetic steel, is encircled by a field coil.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His figure is encircled by a ring of flames, the prabhamandala.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The site will be encircled by a 20-foot-deep buried wall to prevent uncontrolled seepage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being encircled by a" to vividly describe situations where something is physically or figuratively surrounded, emphasizing the act of encircling rather than a static state.

Common error

Avoid using "being encircled by a" when a simpler "surrounded by" or "enclosed by" would suffice, especially in descriptions that don't emphasize the process of encircling. Using it excessively can make your writing sound awkward or overly complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being encircled by a" functions as part of a passive verb phrase, describing an ongoing action of surrounding. The phrase is usually followed by a noun, indicating what is doing the encircling. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being encircled by a" effectively depicts a dynamic action of surrounding. Ludwig AI validates that its grammatical usage is correct, albeit less common, with its presence in News & Media and Encyclopedic sources. Its communicative function leans toward vividly portraying a situation where something is in the process of being surrounded. When using this phrase, remember it emphasizes the act of encircling, making it suitable when you want to highlight a process rather than a static condition. Be mindful that simpler alternatives such as "surrounded by" might be more appropriate for very casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surrounded by a

Direct synonym, indicating something is on all sides.

enclosed by a

Implies a more complete containment, often within a defined space.

ringed by a

Implies a circular arrangement around something.

bordered by a

Suggests a boundary or edge defined by something else.

girdled by a

Implies being encircled as if by a belt or band.

confined within a

Highlights the restriction of movement or space.

flanked by a

Suggests being positioned on either side for protection or prominence.

hemmed in by a

Suggests a feeling of being trapped or closely surrounded.

engulfed by a

Conveys a sense of being completely overwhelmed or consumed.

circumscribed by a

Indicates a limitation or definition of space or scope.

FAQs

How can I use "being encircled by a" in a sentence?

Use "being encircled by a" to describe something in the process of being surrounded or confined. For example, "The wagons were "being encircled by a" ring of fire."

What phrases are similar to "being encircled by a"?

Alternatives include "surrounded by a", "enclosed by a", or "ringed by a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "being encircled by a" formal or informal?

"Being encircled by a" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although simpler alternatives might be preferred in very informal settings.

What's the difference between "being encircled by a" and "surrounded by a"?

"Being encircled by a" emphasizes the process of something coming to surround an object, while "surrounded by a" describes the state of already being surrounded. The former is more dynamic.