is flanked by

USAGE SUMMARY

"is flanked by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the location of something relative to something else. For example, "The monument is flanked by two tall trees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Albi is flanked by the Mediterranean and Atlantic Coasts.

The New York Times

Polonius's office is flanked by filing boxes.

The Guardian

The front door is flanked by mosaic horses.

The New York Times

This spectacular piece is flanked by two others.

The New York Times - Arts

It is flanked by two large ormolu female heads.

The New York Times - Arts

San Francisco is flanked by seven subparallel fault lines.

The Guardian

The forum is flanked by two semicircular, colonnaded exedrae.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is flanked by a large, well-equipped kitchen, where students cook and eat the harvest.

University of California, Berkeley

The process results in an ossified bone shaft that is flanked by cartilage at both ends.

Nature

The main arch is flanked by two pairs of smaller arches.

Britannica

The flag is flanked by 140 ceramic plates with a Kenneth Noland-inspired target motif.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is flanked by", ensure that the flanking elements are clearly defined and contribute meaningfully to the description or function of the central subject. For instance, "The main entrance is flanked by two imposing statues."

Common error

Avoid using "is flanked by" when describing abstract concepts or situations where a literal side-by-side positioning isn't applicable. For example, instead of saying "The argument is flanked by emotions and logic", consider a more suitable phrase like "The argument incorporates both emotions and logic."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is flanked by" functions as a descriptive locative expression, indicating the spatial arrangement of entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to position something in relation to other elements on its sides. Examples show it describing buildings, geographical features, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is flanked by" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe something that has elements on either side of it. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a standard and correct expression. With 59 examples from diverse sources such as news media, encyclopedias, and scientific journals, the frequency is very common. While adaptable for many writing styles, avoid overusing it in casual contexts or when describing abstract relationships. Prefer alternatives like "is bordered by" or "is surrounded by" if they fit better. The most frequent use is in News & Media and Encyclopedias. Remember to use this locative expression correctly!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is bordered by

Focuses on the idea of a boundary or edge, rather than a more general surrounding.

is surrounded by

Suggests a complete enclosure, while "is flanked by" implies being on the sides.

is positioned alongside

Emphasizes the placement next to each other.

has on either side

A more descriptive and less formal way of expressing the same idea.

is situated between

Highlights the concept of being located in the middle of two things.

is set off by

Indicates a separation or contrast created by the items on either side.

is embraced by

Implies a more encompassing and affectionate surrounding.

is guarded by

Conveys a sense of protection or security provided by the flanking elements.

is lined by

Suggests a row or series of objects along the sides.

is neighbored by

Focuses on the adjacent entities, rather than the act of flanking.

FAQs

How do I use "is flanked by" in a sentence?

Use "is flanked by" to describe something that has elements positioned on either side of it. For example, "The building "is flanked by" two trees" indicates the trees are on either side of the building.

What can I say instead of "is flanked by"?

You can use alternatives like "is bordered by", "is surrounded by", or "is positioned alongside" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "is flanked by" or "is bordering by"?

"Is flanked by" is generally used when something is located on either side of something else. "Is bordered by" suggests that something forms a boundary around something else. The choice depends on the spatial relationship you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is flanked by" and "is surrounded by"?

"Is flanked by" implies elements are on either side of something, whereas "is surrounded by" means something is enclosed or encircled on all sides.