is surrounded by mountains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is surrounded by mountains" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a location or geographical feature that is encircled by mountains. Example: "The small village is surrounded by mountains, providing a stunning backdrop for its residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Kure's excellent natural harbour is surrounded by mountains and screened from the sea by mountainous islands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The magnificent, deep, curving harbor is surrounded by mountains.

The New York Times

It is surrounded by mountains and has less cloud cover.

The Guardian - Travel

The entire Swat Valley is surrounded by mountains blanketed with pine forests.

The New York Times

Juneau's airport is surrounded by mountains, the approach often buffeted by treacherous wind shear.

The New York Times

(Boquete, Panama, which is surrounded by mountains and has a temperate climate, is one such place).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Earth's crust is depressed at the centre of Greenland because of the great weight of the ice sheet, whereas the periphery is surrounded by mountain ranges (Fig. 2).

Nature

The analysis of high-level semantic features shows that 14 images are similar with the specimen image in which urban area is surrounded by mountain, but others are different in which mountain and urban areas are adjacent.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The city of Erfurt has a population size of approximately 200,000 inhabitants and is surrounded by mountain ridges of 100 150 m on three sides and high-rise buildings on the fourth side.

Environmental Health Perspectives

She was surrounded by mountains of old clothes.

The New Yorker

Walter Micklethwait and his mum are surrounded by mountains.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location, use "is surrounded by mountains" to create a vivid image of its geographical setting. This phrase effectively conveys a sense of enclosure and can imply remoteness, protection, or scenic beauty.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on passive constructions like "is surrounded by mountains" can make your writing sound less direct. Consider active alternatives like "mountains surround the valley" for a more dynamic style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is surrounded by mountains" functions as a descriptive verbal phrase. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness. It's used to specify the geographical context of a location or object, highlighting its position within a mountainous environment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is surrounded by mountains" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing locations encircled by mountains. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is straightforward and widely accepted. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science-related content, this phrase paints a vivid picture of geographic settings, suggesting isolation, protection, or scenic beauty. While its meaning is clear, considering active voice alternatives can enhance writing dynamism. Remember, precision and context are key when describing landscapes!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is encircled by mountains

Replaces 'surrounded' with 'encircled', emphasizing the complete enclosure.

is enclosed by mountains

Replaces 'surrounded' with 'enclosed', highlighting containment.

is bordered by mountains

Substitutes 'surrounded' with 'bordered', indicating that mountains form a boundary.

is nestled among mountains

Replaces "surrounded" with "nestled among", indicating a cozy and sheltered position.

is set amid mountains

Uses 'set amid' instead of 'surrounded by', focusing on placement within a mountain landscape.

lies within a mountain range

Indicates the location is within a broader mountain system.

is dominated by mountains

Emphasizes the visual prominence and influence of mountains on the landscape.

has mountains in close proximity

Focuses on the nearby presence of mountains, without necessarily complete enclosure.

is sheltered by mountains

Highlights the protective aspect of the mountains.

is rimmed by mountains

Emphasizes the circular arrangement of mountains around the location.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is surrounded by mountains"?

It means that the thing being described is located in a place where mountains are present on all or most sides, effectively encircling it. This often implies a sense of isolation, protection, or scenic beauty.

What can I say instead of "is surrounded by mountains"?

You can use alternatives like "is encircled by mountains", "is enclosed by mountains", or "is bordered by mountains" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more accurate to say "is surrounded by mountains" or "is surrounded by mountainous terrain"?

"Is surrounded by mountains" is generally more concise and direct. "Is surrounded by mountainous terrain" is also correct but can sound slightly more formal or technical.

Can "is surrounded by mountains" be used metaphorically?

While primarily a literal description, "is surrounded by mountains" can be used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone is isolated or protected by figurative "mountains", such as challenges or supportive individuals. For example, "The project is surrounded by mountains of regulations".