encircle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encircle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of surrounding or forming a circle around something. Example: "The children decided to encircle the tree during their game of tag."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This arena was the scene of Bayern nightmares last May, when Chelsea pipped them to Europe's most glittering crown and, suddenly, the demons of the past threatened to encircle them.

The Guardian - Sport

The rolling farmlands that encircle Ipswich are destined to become as synonymous with tragedy as Saddleworth Moor.

The Guardian

They are also the most basic instruments of government.Nor will Mr Sharon withdraw to the positions Israel occupied before the invasions, but to newly-created "buffer zones" that will encircle each Palestinian area, allowing the army to enter at will.

The Economist

Just south of the plain lies the age-old Olduvai Gorge, near where two-legged hominids left footprints in the ash some 3.6m years ago aeons before their descendant, Homo sapiens, marched out of Africa to encircle the planet.

The Economist

The heavily immigrant banlieues that encircle French towns are steeped in unemployment, gang violence and rage.

The Economist

This, to Indian strategists, is the "string of pearls" strategy designed to encircle their country.

The Economist

To his credit, Mr Obama has sought to lower tensions over Taiwan and made it clear that he does not want to contain China (far less encircle it as Chinese nationalists fear).

The Economist

The Entoto mountains encircle Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa.

The Economist

With his pledges of income equality and more jobs, Mr Kilicdaroglu seems bent on appropriating the role of champion of the underdog from AK, so eating into its traditional base in the shanty towns that encircle the big cities.

The Economist

In theslums that encircle Mexico city, violence is much more common.

The Economist

Penetrating the minefields and fortified trenches that encircle it, as the army has several times tried, would be bloody and perhaps impossible.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encircle", ensure the context clearly indicates the formation of a circle or a surrounding action around a specific object or area.

Common error

Avoid using "encircle" when the intention is to indicate a linear boundary or adjacency, rather than a complete surrounding action. Use "border" or "adjoin" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "encircle" is as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed upon an object. It describes the act of forming a circle around something, as Ludwig illustrates in its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "encircle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term that effectively conveys the idea of surrounding something in a circular fashion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and offers numerous examples across various domains, particularly in news and encyclopedic contexts. While alternatives like "surround" and "enclose" exist, "encircle" specifies the circular nature of the surrounding action. Remember to use "encircle" when you want to emphasize the circular shape formed around an object or area.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surround

Indicates a direct and often immediate act of being all around something.

enclose

Suggests creating a boundary or barrier around something.

ring

Implies forming a circular shape or arrangement around something.

girdle

Connotes a tighter or more restrictive act of encircling, like a belt.

compass

Suggests including or encompassing something within a defined area.

hem in

Indicates restricting movement or freedom by surrounding.

confine

Suggests keeping something within limits by surrounding.

border

Implies being along the edge or boundary of something, thus encircling it.

skirt

Means to go around the edge of something, creating a partial "encircle".

cincture

To surround or encircle with a belt or band, formal and less commonly used.

FAQs

How can I use "encircle" in a sentence?

You can use "encircle" to describe the action of surrounding something, such as "The protesters planned to "encircle" the building" or "Mountains "encircle" the valley".

What words can I use instead of "encircle"?

Alternatives to "encircle" include "surround", "enclose", or "ring", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "encircle around"?

Saying "encircle around" is redundant. The word "encircle" already implies the action of going around something, so it's best to simply use "encircle".

What's the difference between "encircle" and "surround"?

"Encircle" specifically suggests forming a circle around something, while "surround" can imply a more general act of being all around something, not necessarily in a circular shape.