completely surrounded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely surrounded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is entirely encircled or enclosed by something else. Example: "The castle was completely surrounded by a deep moat, making it difficult for enemies to approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm completely surrounded," said Ms. Lotz, 43.

The New York Times

In failing light Watkins's company was almost completely surrounded.

The Guardian

"The neighborhood is now under fire and completely surrounded," he said.

The New York Times

They had completely surrounded Vicksburg, and Union guns barraged the city continuously.

The New York Times

This hilltop enclave, completely surrounded by Italy, is the world's smallest republic bar Nauru.

The Economist

But they had completely surrounded us, and the bus was rocking".

The New York Times

The hilly Shawmut Peninsula, upon which Boston was settled, originally was almost completely surrounded by water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The city is almost completely surrounded by low hills covered with olive groves and orchards.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The spokesman said intermittent clashes were ongoing but the militants were completely surrounded.

The Guardian

"When I sit there I'm completely surrounded by him," she said.

The New York Times

For example, Yangôn (population over 4 million) is almost completely surrounded by floods.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. "Completely surrounded" can imply physical encirclement, emotional envelopment, or a strategic position in military or business scenarios. Choose the phrase if it accurately reflects the intensity you wish to convey.

Common error

While descriptive, relying too heavily on "completely surrounded" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "encircled", "enclosed", or more context-specific alternatives to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely surrounded" functions as a descriptive modifier, often used to specify the extent or intensity of being surrounded. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes situations where something is entirely encircled or enclosed by something else. Examples show it modifying locations, people, or objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "completely surrounded" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies a state of being thoroughly encircled. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It appears frequently in news, scientific literature, and general writing, indicating a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While effective, overusing the phrase should be avoided by incorporating synonyms like "totally encircled" or "entirely enclosed". Remember that "completely surrounded" implies an intense, inescapable encirclement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encircled on all sides

Explicitly states that the encirclement occurs from every direction.

totally encircled

Emphasizes the action of encircling rather than the state of being surrounded.

entirely enclosed

Focuses on physical containment within boundaries.

fully besieged

Implies a military or strategic encirclement, often suggesting conflict or pressure.

hemmed in

Suggests a restrictive encirclement, limiting movement or options.

boxed in

Similar to 'hemmed in', this implies a feeling of confinement or entrapment.

compassed about

A more formal or literary way to express the idea of being surrounded.

ringed

Indicates being surrounded by something forming a ring.

isolated

Highlights the state of being cut off from external contact, a consequence of being surrounded.

confined

Focuses on the restriction of movement due to the surrounding elements.

FAQs

How can I use "completely surrounded" in a sentence?

You can use "completely surrounded" to describe physical locations (e.g., "The town was completely surrounded by mountains"), emotional states (e.g., "I felt completely surrounded by love"), or strategic situations (e.g., "The enemy was completely surrounded by our troops").

What is a synonym for "completely surrounded"?

Synonyms for "completely surrounded" include "totally encircled", "entirely enclosed", or "fully besieged", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "completely surrounded on all sides"?

Yes, saying "completely surrounded on all sides" is generally redundant. The word "surrounded" already implies being on all sides, so adding "on all sides" is unnecessary. Just use "completely surrounded".

What's the difference between "surrounded" and "completely surrounded"?

"Surrounded" implies being encircled, while "completely surrounded" emphasizes the totality and thoroughness of the encirclement. The addition of "completely" intensifies the feeling of being enclosed with no escape.