enclosed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enclosed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is surrounded or contained within something else, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The document was enclosed by a protective cover to ensure its safety during transport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Most are enclosed by walls.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Motel pools here are enclosed by 10-foot iron fences.

The New York Times

They were enclosed by grilles forged in a trefoil pattern.

The New Yorker

Most verse satires are enclosed by a "frame".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The houses it overlooks are mostly single-storey courtyards, each enclosed by a windowless wall.

The Guardian

The pool will be restored and enclosed by two hemicircles of steles.

The New York Times - Arts

Like every backyard in Canyon Gate, the Foleys' is enclosed by a high cedar fence.

The New York Times - Magazine

Chickens strut across courtyards enclosed by sticks, and cows wander beside the road.

The New York Times

Outside the entrance there's a space enclosed by a four-foot-fence, for promenading.

The New Yorker

The ramp is enclosed by cinder-block walls, about three feet high.

The New Yorker

What used to be the boatyard is now enclosed by an ugly panel fence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial relationships, use "enclosed by" to clearly indicate that one element completely surrounds another. This is especially useful in technical writing or descriptive narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "enclosed by" interchangeably with words like 'nearby' or 'adjacent to'. "Enclosed by" indicates complete encirclement, not just proximity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enclosed by" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a spatial relationship. It indicates that something is surrounded or contained within specific boundaries, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enclosed by" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something that is surrounded or contained within something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. When writing, ensure "enclosed by" is used to indicate complete encirclement, differentiating it from similar terms like 'nearby' or 'adjacent to'. Alternatives include "surrounded by", "bordered by", or "confined by", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surrounded by

Focuses on the immediate environment or context.

contained within

Highlights that something is held or included within another thing.

encircled by

Implies a complete and often circular enclosure.

bordered by

Emphasizes the boundary or edge created by the surrounding element.

walled in by

Specifically refers to being enclosed by walls.

ringed by

Implies an enclosure in a ring formation.

confined by

Highlights the restrictive aspect of being enclosed.

circumscribed by

Focuses on defining limits or boundaries.

hemmed in by

Suggests a feeling of being tightly surrounded and possibly restricted.

caged by

Conveys a sense of imprisonment or restriction within an enclosure.

FAQs

How to use "enclosed by" in a sentence?

Use "enclosed by" to describe something that is completely surrounded or contained within something else. For example, "The garden was "enclosed by a high wall"".

What can I say instead of "enclosed by"?

You can use alternatives like "surrounded by", "bordered by", or "confined by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "enclosed by" or "surrounded by"?

Both "enclosed by" and "surrounded by" are correct, but "enclosed by" implies a more complete or defined encirclement. "Surrounded by" can suggest a looser, less defined boundary.

What's the difference between "enclosed by" and "adjacent to"?

"Enclosed by" means something is completely surrounded, while "adjacent to" means something is next to or nearby. They describe different spatial relationships.