sheltered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheltered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is protected from difficult or harsh realities, often leading to a lack of experience or understanding of the outside world. Example: "Growing up in a sheltered environment, she was unaware of the challenges faced by those in less fortunate circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ryan Lambert at Puck Daddy has some: "His personal underlying numbers (relative corsi of 9.0, fourth on the team) only seem to get better as he's sheltered from tough competition — he's facing the weakest opponents of anyone on the Flames, as you might expect — and beginning just 25 percent of his shifts in the defensive zone, and yet 48.5 percent end there.

The Guardian - Sport

The police sheltered the pair in a nearby building while the mob banged on the door.

The Guardian

The proposed merger with EADS would have sheltered BAE from the consequences of its exposure to the UK and US defence markets, which are shrinking due to public spending cuts and the scaling back of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Guardian - Business

The one country unlikely to feel the pressure is Turkmenistan, which is sheltered from the market's moods because it sells its chief export – natural gas – to China at a fixed price.

The Guardian

I chose a spot far enough back to escape the waves and slightly sheltered from the wind.

The Guardian - Travel

Back at the frontline, first lieutenant Osman said morale was high among his men, who were posted along sandbagged embrasures or who sheltered under tarpaulins from the afternoon sun.

The Guardian

After the partition of India in 1947 and the ensuing violence, the Qila sheltered thousands who were fleeing Delhi, as well as those who had moved there.

The Guardian

Previously the Isa tax "wrapper" passed away with its owner, and the money that had been sheltered became liable for income and capital gains tax.

The Guardian - Money

In Royal Exchange Square, the smart canvas gazebos that days earlier had sheltered pavement diners were upended by the wind and blown over the railings of the Gallery of Modern Art.

The Guardian - Sport

On the other hand, sheltered by its link to German industries and to exports, economically the country is fine.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hullehavn Camping (adults £7, kids up to 11 £3.50, tent hire £2), five minutes' drive from Svaneke, has one of the best locations, sheltered by trees and looking out to sea over a rocky plateau broken up with sandy inlets, where you can watch the sun rise in the morning and watch it set at night.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheltered" to describe environments, individuals, or industries that are protected from certain external factors, whether those are harsh weather conditions, competition, or difficult life experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "sheltered" as a synonym for "naive" in all contexts. While a "sheltered" upbringing can lead to naivety, it's important to consider the specific reasons and contexts. Sometimes, lack of exposure might simply mean a lack of opportunity, not necessarily a lack of intelligence or awareness.

Linguistic Context

The word "sheltered" primarily functions as an adjective. It describes a noun by indicating that it is protected or shielded from something, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig. It can also function as a past participle of the verb "shelter".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Travel

14%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Lifestyle

2%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheltered" is a versatile adjective used to describe something or someone that is protected or shielded, whether physically, economically, or experientially. As indicated by Ludwig, the word is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts. It appears frequently in News & Media, Travel, and Business, suggesting broad applicability. While "sheltered" carries a neutral tone, context is crucial in determining whether it implies positive protection or negative lack of experience. When writing, remember that "sheltered" can describe both physical and abstract forms of protection, but avoid overgeneralizing its meaning to simply equate with naivety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protected

Implies a safeguard from harm or negative influences.

guarded

Suggests vigilance and active measures to keep something safe.

secluded

Refers to being private and away from others.

isolated

Indicates a state of being separated from others or outside influences.

cloistered

Suggests a life lived in seclusion, often for religious reasons or personal preference.

screened

Implies being shielded or hidden from view or scrutiny.

cosseted

Suggests being pampered and overprotected.

harbored

Implies providing refuge or sanctuary.

unexposed

Indicates a lack of experience or contact with certain things.

sequested

Suggests being forcibly isolated or confined.

FAQs

How can I use "sheltered" in a sentence?

You can use "sheltered" to describe someone or something protected from harm, negative influences, or harsh realities. For example, "The boat was much safer, during the storm, in the "sheltered cove"."

What's a good alternative to "sheltered" when describing a person?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "sheltered" could be "protected", "guarded", or "isolated". Each word carries slightly different connotations regarding the level and nature of protection.

What does it mean if someone is described as having had a "sheltered upbringing"?

A "sheltered upbringing" usually means that a person grew up in an environment where they were shielded from many of the difficulties, challenges, or harsh realities of the world. This can sometimes lead to naivety or a lack of real-world experience.

Is it always negative to describe someone as "sheltered"?

Not necessarily. While "sheltered" can imply a lack of experience, it can also suggest a nurturing and supportive environment. The connotation largely depends on the specific context and what aspects of life someone has been "protected" from.