surrounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surrounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that encircles or envelops another object or area. Example: "The garden surrounds the house, creating a beautiful and serene environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Sofas in the players' lounge, office furniture, the lot," says Archibald, who was used in his playing career to the elegant surrounds of the Nou Camp.

The Guardian - Sport

British politics hasn't yet developed the infrastructure that surrounds leaders' debates in other countries – and this has given Cameron his opening.

The Guardian

The temporary roadblocks included part of State Circle, one of the roads that surrounds Canberra's parliament house.

The Guardian

Brisbane and surrounds don't have to formally register hosting interest, which needs AOC endorsement, until January 2019.

The Guardian - Sport

Winter is the night-time of the seasons: the darkness grows, the cold surrounds us and the world we once knew sinks from sight.

The Guardian - Books

4. Junk by Melvin Burgess A quick list of the issues the teenage characters experience in Junk and it's not too difficult to see why controversy still surrounds today: teenage pregnancy, heroin addiction, estrangement, prostitution and incarceration to name but a few.

The Guardian

What we as parents must do, therefore, is to wake up their critical powers, and to help our children feel more in control of the information that surrounds them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Snowden says: "The conversation occurring today will determine the amount of trust we can place both in the technology that surrounds us and the government that regulates it.

The Guardian

Despite the air of effortless cool that surrounds the Luella label, Bartley herself is a remarkably focused designer, sticking to a self-confessed mantra of 'English cool meets English heritage'.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not only have the proprietors, octogenarian Jimmy Thomas and his son Simon, hired the digital artist Thomas D Gray as resident, they have already installed his 57-panel digital artwork that surrounds the main void of the interior.

The Guardian

It's the end of the dry season in El Salvador, but behind the thick concrete wall that surrounds Villa Veranda – a gated community outside the capital – the grass is green and the water flows fast.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "surrounds", ensure that the subject logically performs the action of enclosing or encircling the object. For example, "The forest surrounds the village" is more logical than "The village surrounds the forest."

Common error

Avoid using "surrounds" when describing abstract concepts or feelings that cannot physically enclose something. Instead of saying "Confusion surrounds the decision", consider "The decision is shrouded in confusion" or "There is confusion about the decision".

Linguistic Context

"Surrounds" functions primarily as a verb, indicating the action of encircling, enclosing, or being present on all sides of something. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in both physical and abstract contexts, affirming its versatile nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "surrounds" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of encircling or being situated around something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains, including news, business, and science. While generally neutral, its precise application is crucial to avoid misusing it with abstract subjects. Consider alternatives like "encircles" or "borders" to better fit the context. Proper usage ensures clarity and precision in writing, leveraging the full potential of the word "surrounds".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encircles

Focuses specifically on forming a circle around something.

envelops

Emphasizes complete coverage and enclosure.

borders

Highlights adjacency along a boundary.

encloses

Stresses the creation of an enclosed space.

encases

Implies a tight, protective enclosure.

contains

Suggests that something is held within.

is around

A more general term indicating presence in the vicinity.

adjacent to

Highlights the position of being next to something.

local area

Refers to the immediate vicinity or neighborhood.

in the vicinity of

A formal way of indicating proximity or nearness.

FAQs

How is "surrounds" used in a sentence?

"Surrounds" can describe something that encircles or is located around something else. For example, "A high fence surrounds the property." It can also describe abstract concepts, like "Controversy surrounds the issue".

What can I say instead of "surrounds"?

You can use alternatives like "encircles", "envelops", or "borders" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "surrounds" or "surrounding"?

Both are correct but used in different contexts. "Surrounds" is a verb (e.g., "The wall surrounds the garden"), while "surrounding" is an adjective or part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "The surrounding area is beautiful" or "The police are surrounding the building").

What's the difference between "surrounds" and "adjacent to"?

"Surrounds" implies an encirclement or close proximity on all sides, whereas "adjacent to" indicates that something is next to or nearby, but not necessarily encircling the object.