it was surrounded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was surrounded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is encircled or enclosed by other objects or elements. Example: "The ancient ruins were so well-preserved that it was surrounded by lush greenery, creating a picturesque scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was surrounded by large amounts of adipose tissue along its entire length.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

It was surrounded by walls up to 18 feet high.

The Economist

Founded in 1581 it was surrounded by impressive fortifications.

The Economist

It was surrounded by a small sea of Israeli helmets.

The New Yorker

It was surrounded by photographs of Randy throwing and batting.

The New York Times

It was unable to move because it was surrounded.

The Guardian

It was surrounded by American checkpoints, which discouraged families from visiting.

The New Yorker

It was surrounded by two courtyards with chambers, gates, and a public square.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was surrounded by so many people, I could barely make out her smile.

The New York Times

"When I built the Spoke in 1964, it was surrounded by fields," he said.

The New York Times

It was surrounded by walls as high as 18 feet topped with barbed wire.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was surrounded" to vividly describe the physical setting or context of a scene, whether it's a building surrounded by walls, a person surrounded by people, or a town surrounded by mountains.

Common error

While "it was surrounded" is grammatically correct, be mindful of overusing passive voice. Sometimes, active voice can make your writing more direct and impactful. Consider rephrasing to highlight the surrounding elements, for example "walls surrounded it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was surrounded" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action, which is being enclosed or encircled. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was surrounded" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction that describes a state of enclosure or encirclement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its versatility across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider active voice alternatives for stronger impact, and remember to use it to vividly paint a scene for your readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was encircled

Focuses on the idea of being completely enclosed in a circular fashion.

it was enclosed

Highlights the act of being confined within an area.

it was bordered

Emphasizes the presence of a boundary or edge around the subject.

it was hemmed in

Suggests being tightly surrounded, leaving little room.

it was besieged

Implies being under attack and surrounded by hostile forces.

it was confined

Focuses on the limitation of movement within a specific boundary.

it was flanked by

Indicates being positioned between elements on either side.

it was rimmed with

Emphasizes a border or edge around something.

it was cloaked

Implies that something is covered or hidden.

it was girdled by

Highlights the action of surrounding and supporting something.

FAQs

How can I use "it was surrounded" in a sentence?

Use "it was surrounded" to describe something that is encircled or enclosed by something else. For example, "The ancient city "it was surrounded" by high walls."

What are some alternatives to "it was surrounded"?

You can use alternatives like "it was encircled", "it was bordered", or "it was enclosed" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing a surrounding?

While "it was surrounded" is passive, using active voice such as "walls surrounded it" can sometimes create a stronger and more direct image. The best choice depends on the emphasis you want to place in your writing.

What does "it was surrounded" imply about the subject?

The phrase "it was surrounded" suggests that the subject is either contained, protected, or potentially isolated by the elements that surround it. The exact implication depends on the specific context.