surrounded by disarray

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surrounded by disarray" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or environment that is chaotic or messy, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As she entered her office, she was immediately struck by the sight of her desk, surrounded by disarray, with papers strewn everywhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Guardian investigation has found that the records of such deaths are surrounded by confusion and disarray.

The Guardian

"I don't stay home," he said recently in the small room in northern Manhattan, where he has lived since 1979 -- and where his mattress is surrounded by clothes heaped in disarray on the floor and a mound of papers, files and movie memorabilia that has grown on the floor for a quarter of a century.

The New York Times

Decades of rapid decline threw Detroit's physical urban structure into disarray, and resulted with centrally located business district, closely surrounded by largely vacant neighbourhoods (Fig. 1).

City, Territory and Architecture

Earlier the rebel forces have complained that they are running low on ammunition as the city has been completely surrounded by government forces, coupled with lack of communications, has left the rebels in disarray.

The New York Times

Surrounded by wonks.

Independent

Surrounded by conflict zones.

The New Yorker

Surrounded by girls".

The New Yorker

Being surrounded by family.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Suddenly, Yves, who was shy and often surrounded by a group -- suddenly he was going out all by himself to bars and coming back barefoot and half-naked and roaming the streets in disarray.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was surrounded by junk.

The New York Times

Ms. Boyens: "Surrounded by dogs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surrounded by disarray" to vividly depict a scene or situation characterized by significant disorder and lack of organization. It's most effective when the disarray contributes to a feeling of overwhelm or confusion.

Common error

While "surrounded by disarray" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more direct and less figurative language to maintain a tone of clarity and control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surrounded by disarray" functions as a descriptive element, typically used to characterize a noun (person, place, or thing). According to Ludwig, this phrase is acceptable in written English, and serves to paint a picture of chaos or messiness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surrounded by disarray" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English. Ludwig AI indicates its suitability for describing chaotic or messy environments, whether literally or metaphorically. Although the phrase is not extremely frequent, its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian lends it credibility. When considering alternatives, focus on the specific nuance you wish to convey – whether it's the overwhelming nature of the chaos ("engulfed in chaos") or the lack of clarity ("enveloped in confusion"). Use the phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in overly formal contexts where clarity and directness are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engulfed in chaos

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the chaos.

immersed in disorder

Highlights the state of being deeply involved in disorder.

awash in turmoil

Focuses on the presence of significant disturbance and unrest.

enveloped in confusion

Stresses the lack of clarity and understanding.

beset by chaos

Indicates that chaos is actively causing problems.

hemmed in by disorder

Suggests a feeling of being restricted or trapped by the disorder.

in the throes of disarray

Highlights a period of intense disorganization.

amidst the chaos

Focuses on the phrase is used when talking about a scenery

within a vortex of disarray

Highlights the phrase is used when talking about a spiraling force

circled by bedlam

Emphasizes the wild, noisy confusion of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "surrounded by disarray" in a sentence?

You can use "surrounded by disarray" to describe environments or situations lacking order. For example: "The office was "surrounded by disarray" after the project deadline."

What's a less dramatic alternative to "surrounded by disarray"?

If you want a less dramatic tone, consider phrases like "in a state of disorder", "somewhat chaotic", or "slightly disorganized".

Is "enveloped in disarray" a synonym for "surrounded by disarray"?

"Enveloped in disarray" and "surrounded by disarray" are quite similar. "Enveloped in disarray" suggests being completely covered or enclosed by the disorder, while surrounded simply indicates being encircled.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "surrounded by disarray"?

Avoid using "surrounded by disarray" in contexts requiring precise, technical language. It is better suited for descriptive or narrative writing where a degree of subjectivity is acceptable.