being surrounded by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being surrounded by a" is correct and usable in English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is within the confines of a particular environment or context, for example: "He felt a sense of calm being surrounded by a lush, green landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

David Perrotin was protected by police after being surrounded by a dozen masked men brandishing batons.

The Guardian

Being surrounded by a diverse range of people made me appreciate how lucky I am.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They perceive themselves as unable to comply, as being surrounded by a pack of wolves".

The New York Times

Now Iranians worry about being surrounded by a "Salafi circle", bearing in mind the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan.

The Economist

The key for any small business is being surrounded by a good team and like-minded people.

The Guardian

At the time he had a young daughter, Olive, who remembers being surrounded by a lot of noise.

The Guardian

Today he cannot direct a sequence in the street without being surrounded by a swarm of eager aspirants.

The New Yorker

Most of the time, being chairman of the RRP involves being surrounded by a swirl of activity.

The Guardian - Arts

Each star in a binary system can be pictured as being surrounded by a tear-shaped zone of gravitational influence, the Roche lobe.

Harvard University

Interspecific competition generated by the sown biomass restricted weed colonization to very low levels, despite the experiment being surrounded by a weedy brownfield.

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

She described the little boy and his father being surrounded by a "visible cloud of smoke" – and said she had difficulty breathing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being surrounded by a" to effectively convey a sense of environment or influence. For example, "being surrounded by a supportive community" illustrates the positive impact of the community.

Common error

Avoid using redundant prepositions after "surrounded". For instance, instead of saying "being surrounded by with a", use the correct and concise form: "being surrounded by a".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being surrounded by a" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or part of the predicate in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and usable in English, describing a state of enclosure or influence. The examples show how it adds context to situations, specifying what the subject is enclosed by.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being surrounded by a" is a versatile gerund phrase used to describe the environment or context in which something exists. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news and media, academic writing, and scientific literature, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure correct preposition usage to avoid common errors. Consider alternatives like ""being enveloped by a"" or ""being encircled by a"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being enveloped by a

Emphasizes a sense of being completely enclosed or immersed, highlighting the all-encompassing nature of the surrounding.

being encircled by a

Focuses on the act of forming a circle around something, suggesting containment or strategic positioning.

being amidst a

Suggests being in the middle of something, implying a less defined or structured surrounding.

being encompassed by a

Highlights the inclusiveness of the surrounding, suggesting that everything is contained within it.

being besieged by a

Implies being under pressure or attack from the surrounding forces, adding a sense of conflict or urgency.

being confined by a

Indicates restriction or limitation due to the surrounding environment, highlighting a lack of freedom.

being in the company of a

Highlights the presence of others, focusing on social interaction and companionship.

being influenced by a

Focuses on the impact or effect of the surrounding elements on the subject.

being exposed to a

Emphasizes vulnerability and openness to the surrounding elements, suggesting a lack of protection.

being integrated within a

Suggests a seamless incorporation into the surrounding environment, highlighting assimilation and belonging.

FAQs

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

You can use "being surrounded by a" to describe a situation where someone or something is enclosed or influenced by their environment. For example, "She enjoyed "being surrounded by a" peaceful atmosphere".

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

Alternatives include "being enveloped by a", "being encircled by a", or "being amidst a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "being surrounded by with a" grammatically correct?

No, "being surrounded by with a" is incorrect. The correct form is ""being surrounded by a"". The preposition "by" is sufficient to indicate the surrounding elements.

What is the difference between "being surrounded by a" and "being influenced by a"?

"Being surrounded by a" implies physical or environmental presence, while "being influenced by a" suggests an impact or effect on someone or something. For instance, you can be surrounded by noise, but influenced by ideas.