is framed by

USAGE SUMMARY

"is framed by" is a perfectly valid and appropriate phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is surrounded by or confined within a certain area, structure or concept. For example, "The painting is framed by an elaborate gilded frame."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything is framed by something.

The New Yorker

The manor is framed by meadows.

The New York Times

Valeria Garcia's life is framed by strawberries.

The Guardian

Each essay is framed by images that are themselves evocative.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Macário's story is framed by the train trip.

The New York Times

In Lonergan's film work, the world is framed by language.

The New Yorker

It is framed by the forms of family affection.

The New Yorker

He is framed by the doorway and eventually walks away.

The New York Times

The film is framed by two major battle sequences.

The New York Times

This knockabout fun, however, is framed by darkness.

The Guardian - Sport

The picture is framed by a theatrically "crumbling" wall.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is framed by" to vividly describe how elements visually surround or conceptually define a subject, providing context and emphasis. For example, "The landscape is framed by rolling hills."

Common error

Avoid using "is framed by" when a simpler verb like "includes" or "contains" would suffice. "Is framed by" suggests a deliberate arrangement or visual effect, not just a general inclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is framed by" functions as a passive construction used to describe how a subject is visually or conceptually enclosed, highlighted, or defined by surrounding elements. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is framed by" is a versatile expression used to describe how a subject is visually or conceptually enclosed, highlighted, or defined by surrounding elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. While alternatives like "is surrounded by" and "is defined by" exist, "is framed by" often implies a more deliberate or artistic arrangement. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intentional context and emphasizes the framing elements' role in shaping the subject's perception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is surrounded by

Focuses on the physical or abstract environment around something, similar to being framed.

is defined by

Emphasizes the defining characteristics or boundaries, instead of physical framing.

is characterized by

Highlights key features or attributes that shape the subject, similar to how a frame highlights a picture.

is bounded by

Indicates the limits or constraints imposed on something, alike to the confines of a frame.

is contextualized by

Focuses on the background or setting that gives meaning to something, akin to the role of a frame.

is set against

Suggests a backdrop or contrast that highlights the main subject, working like a frame.

is outlined by

Highlights the borders or main points that define something, comparable to the edge of a frame.

is encapsulated by

Suggests being enclosed or contained within something, acting as a comprehensive frame.

is circumscribed by

Denotes limitations or boundaries that confine something, much like a frame's constraints.

is bordered by

Indicates the presence of edges or boundaries, like a frame around a picture.

FAQs

How can I use "is framed by" in a sentence?

The phrase "is framed by" is used to describe how something is surrounded, highlighted, or defined by specific elements. For instance, "The artwork is framed by an ornate border", showcasing how the border enhances the artwork.

What are some alternatives to "is framed by"?

You can use alternatives like "is surrounded by", "is defined by", or "is characterized by" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is framed by" or "is surrounded by"?

While both phrases indicate enclosure, "is framed by" often suggests a more intentional or artistic arrangement, whereas "is surrounded by" simply implies being encircled. Choose the one that best fits the intended nuance.

Can "is framed by" be used in abstract contexts?

Yes, "is framed by" can be used in abstract contexts to indicate that something is conceptually or contextually defined by certain ideas or conditions. For example, "The debate is framed by ethical considerations".