cordoned off area

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cordoned off area" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a space that has been restricted or isolated, often for safety or security reasons. Example: "The police cordoned off the area surrounding the crime scene to prevent unauthorized access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"My father wouldn't let me go to protest, he said it's prohibited," said Safa Gorush, a 23-year-old student standing within the cordoned off area of the protest for women.

The New York Times

The first 20 customers allowed to shop from the women's collection in a specially cordoned off area, meanwhile, begin by pouncing on "sweetie wrapper" clutches in silver or metallic purple; leaving TV camera crews and photographers blinded by a £34.99 reflective handbag.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But if you take a peek past the dozens of cameras aimed at the 1km cordoned off area surrounding the centre of the blast, you'll find absolute destruction right here in Canada.

Vice

Lying in a cordoned off area in his kitchen, under what he thought was a webcam it turned out to be a motion sensor—Quinn waited for ransom instructions that would ultimately be sent via his own email address, since the kidnapper had demanded access after his initial break-in.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Many peered past closed glass doors and into cordoned off areas at the treasures they were missing.

The Guardian - Arts

"Police cordoned off areas and took away most of the bodies but there were still body parts and human flesh on the ground, and body bags.

Independent

After wheeling around a maze of barriers and cordoned off areas, I make it to one of the few open shops.

Vice

Police had cordoned off areas of the city and helicopters flew low.

The Guardian - Sport

In all three cases, the police cordoned off areas near the buildings as a precaution.

The New York Times

Military police cordoned off areas where the Einsatzgruppe planned to shoot Jews to prevent anyone from escaping.

Wikipedia

The police cordoned off the area.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an area blocked for safety or investigation, use "cordoned off area" to clearly communicate that access is restricted by authorities or other entities.

Common error

Avoid using "cordoned off area" if the restriction is informal or self-imposed. The phrase typically implies an official barrier erected by authorities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cordoned off area" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a location that has been enclosed or restricted, often for safety, security, or investigative purposes, as seen in the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cordoned off area" is a noun phrase indicating a restricted space, often for safety or investigative reasons. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly appears in news and media contexts. While the phrase is suitable for neutral and factual reporting, consider alternatives such as ""restricted zone"" or ""closed off section"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful that it typically implies an official restriction imposed by authorities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restricted zone

Focuses on the limitation of access rather than the physical barrier.

closed off section

Highlights the act of closing access, implying a temporary or permanent closure.

inaccessible space

Emphasizes the inability to reach or enter the area.

isolated zone

Stresses the separation from other areas, implying a quarantine or safety measure.

barricaded area

Highlights the physical barrier used to block access.

secured perimeter

Focuses on the security measures in place to protect the area.

off-limits area

Indicates that entry is prohibited, often due to danger or sensitivity.

exclusion zone

Implies that certain individuals or activities are not allowed within the area.

quarantined zone

Suggests the area is isolated to prevent the spread of disease or contamination.

no-go zone

Indicates a dangerous or restricted area that should be avoided.

FAQs

How is "cordoned off area" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "cordoned off area" usually functions as a noun phrase, often following verbs like "was", "is", or "had been". For example, "The "area was cordoned off" by police after the incident".

What are some synonyms for "cordoned off area"?

Alternatives include "restricted zone", "closed off section", or "inaccessible space". The best choice depends on the specific context and the reason for the restriction.

Is it correct to say "cordoned off zone" instead of "cordoned off area"?

While "cordoned off area" is more common, "cordoned off zone" is also acceptable and conveys a similar meaning. "Area" is generally preferred for physical spaces, while "zone" can imply a broader or less defined region.

What's the difference between "cordoned off area" and "secured area"?

"Cordoned off area" specifically indicates a space blocked off, often temporarily, with barriers. "Secured area" implies a more general state of protection, which may involve various security measures, not just physical barriers.