their surroundings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their surroundings" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to refer to the environment where someone is located or the events or things that are happening nearby. For example: "The family was very impressed with their surroundings as they moved into their new home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Four characters listen, oblivious of their surroundings.

The New York Times - Arts

Unfortunately, they are undermined by their surroundings.

The New York Times

Leafcutter ants profoundly affect their surroundings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Description of the orchids and their surroundings.

The New Yorker

The nouns are indifferent to their surroundings.

The New York Times

Human passions adapt to their surroundings.

The New York Times - Arts

Towers disconnect residents from their surroundings.

The Guardian

Muratov started drawing the old women and their surroundings.

The New Yorker

The poverty of their surroundings had stripped their imaginations bare.

The New Yorker

They enjoy the exercise and soaking in their surroundings.

The New York Times

They must thus be isolated from their surroundings.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene or situation, use "their surroundings" to provide context and detail about the environment influencing the subject's actions or feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "their surroundings" when a simpler term like "here" or "there" would suffice. Be specific when describing what aspects of the environment are relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their surroundings" functions as a noun phrase, with "their" acting as a possessive pronoun modifying the noun "surroundings". It typically serves as the object of a preposition or a subject complement, describing the environment or context of a person, place, or thing. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "their surroundings" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the environment or context surrounding a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various registers, particularly neutral contexts such as news and media. To use the phrase effectively, remember to provide specific details about the relevant aspects of the environment and avoid overuse in simple descriptions. Consider alternatives like "their environment" or "the world around them" to add variety to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "their surroundings" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their environment

Replaces "surroundings" with a more general term for the external conditions affecting someone or something.

the world around them

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the external environment.

their immediate context

Highlights the close proximity and relevance of the environment.

the area they inhabit

Focuses on the physical space occupied by the subject.

their physical setting

Specifically refers to the tangible aspects of their environment.

the landscape around them

Highlights the visible natural features surrounding them.

the atmosphere they're in

Refers to the prevailing mood or environmental conditions.

their milieu

Uses a more formal and literary term for their social and cultural environment.

their habitat

Describes the natural environment in which they live or exist.

the conditions they face

Emphasizes the challenges or circumstances presented by their environment.

FAQs

How can I use "their surroundings" in a sentence?

You can use "their surroundings" to describe the environment or context around a subject. For example: "They adapted quickly to their surroundings after moving to the new city".

What's the difference between "their surroundings" and "their environment"?

While similar, "their surroundings" often refers to the immediate, perceivable environment, while "their environment" can encompass broader ecological or social factors.

What are some alternatives to saying "their surroundings"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the world around them", "their immediate context", or "the area they inhabit".

Is it correct to use "their surroundings" in formal writing?

Yes, "their surroundings" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. Its clarity and common usage make it suitable for various contexts, from academic papers to business reports.