flanking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flanking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to military strategy, positioning, or metaphorically to describe surrounding or supporting something from the sides. Example: "The troops executed a flanking maneuver to surprise the enemy from both sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Isis he would find true "brothers" who would value him, whom he could impress with his willingness to die, such as the burly jihadists flanking him in that photograph.

The Guardian

George Osborne, flanking the prime minister, looked pensive throughout, like the lookout man in a post office robbery.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Giscard d'Estaing's proposals would create more continuity by setting up a president who could serve for up to five years and flanking him with a foreign minister.

The Economist

It carries an image of Moctezuma himself, flanking that of Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and the sun.

The Economist

During the Troubles, republican street murals in Belfast featured Arab, black and Latin American "freedom fighters" flanking IRA figures.

The Economist

On skis, playing tennis, flanking a pop star, looking studious, Mr Klaus beamed out from every billboard and flyer.

The Economist

As long as the receiving plasmid has a pair of DNA sequences that complement those flanking the genes, the genes will rapidly transfer themselves from one plasmid to another all in a single step.Dr LaBaer plans to use this technique to shuttle thousands of genes about simultaneously.

The Economist

Only the presence of tough personal-security team (flanking him in the picture above), and the mysterious decision of the gatekeeper at the court to allow his bulletproof vehicle to race away, let the general avoid immediate arrest.

The Economist

Simply flanking the piezoelectric layer with thin concentric layers of metal would not work because metals tend to have a low viscosity.

The Economist

Flanking him are hostesses with glasses of Johnnie Walker Red Label, some neat, others with ice or fizzy-drink mixers.

The Economist

Three of the legislators flanking Mr Clinton in Kansas City strongly supported such proposals; much of the audience discussion was given to debating it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "flanking", ensure that the context clearly indicates the relative positions and the supportive or protective role of the entities involved. For instance, "The bodyguards were flanking the celebrity" clearly conveys their position and function.

Common error

Avoid using "flanking" when describing objects directly in front of or behind another object. "Flanking" implies positions to the side.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flanking" is that of a present participle, often functioning as an adjective modifying a noun or as part of a continuous verb tense. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, highlighting its prevalence in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flanking" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a present participle. It commonly describes items positioned on either side of something, often implying a strategic or supportive role. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. While it appears less frequently in formal business settings, its usage remains consistently neutral in tone. Remember to use "flanking" to describe side positions accurately, avoiding its misuse for items directly in front or behind. Alternatives like "bordering" or "adjacent to" can be used to communicate a similar meaning with a less strategic emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on either side of

Emphasizes the position of being located on both sides of something, replacing the more dynamic sense of "flanking".

bordering

Suggests creating a boundary or edge alongside something, removing the support or protection connotation.

adjacent to

Highlights the closeness in position, omitting the implication of one thing protecting or supporting the other.

alongside

Focuses on being situated side by side, diminishing the element of providing support or strategic advantage.

on the sides

A more literal description of placement, lacking the implication of strategic positioning or support.

surrounding

Implies a more complete enclosure, whereas "flanking" suggests placement on the sides only.

guarding

Emphasizes the protective function, missing the positional aspect of "flanking".

escorting

Suggests accompanying for protection or guidance, changing the meaning from a static positional relationship.

protecting

Highlights the element of defense or safeguard, minimizing the spatial aspect of "flanking".

outlying

Refers to being situated at a distance from the center, while "flanking" relates more to side positioning for support.

FAQs

How is "flanking" typically used in a sentence?

The word "flanking" is used to describe something that is positioned on either side of something else, often implying a protective or strategic role. For example, "The bodyguards were "on either side of" the celebrity".

What are some alternatives to using "flanking" in writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "bordering", "adjacent to", or "surrounding" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say something is "flanking behind"?

No, it is not correct. "Flanking" implies being on the sides of something, not behind it. A more appropriate term for something behind would be "trailing" or "following".

What's the difference between "flanking" and "surrounding"?

"Flanking" suggests being on the sides, whereas "surrounding" indicates being all around something. "Flanking" often implies a protective or strategic positioning, while "surrounding" may simply describe location.