sealed off

USAGE SUMMARY

"sealed off" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a physical boundary or barrier that has been erected to protect or separate an area. For example, "The city shut down the road and sealed it off with a fence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Police sealed off area.

Independent

They are sealed off entirely.

The Guardian - Books

The beach area has been sealed off".

The Guardian

Armed police sealed off neighbouring streets.

The Guardian

Ethiopian tanks quickly sealed off the area.

The New York Times

The authorities sealed off 31st Place.

The New York Times

The entire road will be sealed off for the eviction.

Independent

A front porch was sealed off by fallen branches.

The New Yorker

To the south, Gaza has been sealed off by Egypt.

The New York Times

He is sealed off from everyone except the reader.

The Guardian - Books

"Troops sealed off the area then tanks began shelling.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing digital environments, you can use the phrase "sealed off" figuratively. For example, you can say, "The user profile was "sealed off" behind a multi-factor authentication system".

Common error

Avoid using "sealed off" when the isolation is incomplete or easily bypassed. "The lightly guarded border was not effectively "sealed off", as people crossed it frequently" is a more accurate description in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "sealed off" primarily functions to describe the act of completely isolating or restricting access to a specific area or entity. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing physical closures by authorities or barriers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

14%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sealed off" is a common phrasal verb that describes completely restricting access to an area, often for safety or security reasons. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and widely used in written English. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, it carries a neutral register suitable for factual reporting. Alternatives such as "cordoned off" or "isolated" offer similar meanings, while related terms like "quarantined" specify the type of isolation. Effective use requires clear context on what is being isolated and the method used. Common mistakes involve using it for incomplete isolations. In short, "sealed off" is a versatile and reliable phrase for describing complete restriction of access.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closed off

A more general term for preventing access.

cordoned off

Specifically refers to the action of police or military.

shut off

Implies a sudden or abrupt cessation of access.

cut off

Indicates a complete severing of connections or supplies.

blockaded

Emphasizes preventing entry or exit, often militarily.

secured

Focuses on making an area safe by restricting access.

barricaded

Suggests a defensive barrier has been erected.

isolated

Focuses on the state of being separated from others.

segregated

Highlights the separation of groups or entities.

quarantined

Used specifically to prevent the spread of disease.

FAQs

How is "sealed off" used in a sentence?

The phrasal verb "sealed off" is used to describe the action of completely blocking access to an area or place. For example, "Police "sealed off" the street after the incident."

What is a good substitute for "sealed off"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "sealed off" include "cordoned off", "isolated", or "blockaded".

Is it appropriate to use "sealed off" in a formal context?

Yes, "sealed off" is appropriate in formal contexts, particularly when describing security or containment measures. Ludwig AI confirms this is standard written English.

What does it mean when an area has been "sealed off"?

When an area has been "sealed off", it means that it has been completely blocked or closed, preventing entry or exit. This is often done for security or safety reasons.