to surround

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to surround" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of encircling or enclosing something or someone. Example: "The tall trees seemed to surround the cabin, creating a sense of seclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sectarian animosities continued to surround the vote.

The New York Times

And Scottish pride seems to surround them.

Independent

Controversy, however, continued to surround Sharon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It seems to surround us".

The New York Times

To surround himself in silence.

The Guardian - Books

The desire to surround yourselves with plants?

Cornell University

But controversy continued to surround Donaldson.

The Guardian

The protesters wanted to surround the London Stock Exchange.

The Economist

Rioters began to surround African-Americans at random.

The New York Times

The solution is to surround the analytics people!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I like to surround myself with pretty girls".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to surround" when you want to emphasize the act of something being present on all sides of a central element, whether physically or figuratively. For instance, use it to describe physical barriers, abstract feelings, or strategic formations.

Common error

Avoid using "to surround" excessively in passive voice constructions (e.g., "was surrounded by"). Opt for active voice where possible to create more direct and engaging sentences. For example, instead of "The house was surrounded by trees", try "Trees surrounded the house".

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to surround" primarily functions as a verb indicating the action of encircling or enclosing something. Ludwig examples show it used in diverse contexts, from physical encirclement, like "American forces proceeded "to surround Baghdad"", to figurative concepts, such as "Controversy, however, continued "to surround Sharon"". According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to surround" is a versatile and common expression used to describe the act of encircling or enclosing something, both physically and figuratively. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. While alternatives such as "to encircle" and "to envelop" exist, "to surround" offers a balanced and universally understood option. Remember to use the active voice wherever you can to create sentences that have more impact. With a wide range of applications, "to surround" is a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to encircle

Implies a circular or ring-like arrangement around something.

to encompass

Suggests including or containing something comprehensively.

to enclose

Focuses on creating a boundary or barrier around something.

to envelop

Implies completely covering or concealing something.

to hem in

Suggests restricting movement or freedom by surrounding.

to ring

Similar to encircle, but can also imply a sound or vibration around something.

to gird

Suggests preparing for action by surrounding or bracing.

to beleaguer

Implies persistent harassment or pressure by surrounding.

to besiege

Focuses on military or strategic encirclement.

to invest

Suggests completely occupying or dominating by surrounding.

FAQs

How can I use "to surround" in a sentence?

The phrase "to surround" is used to describe the action of encircling or enclosing something on all sides. For example, "The protesters wanted "to surround the London Stock Exchange"" or "I like "to surround myself with pretty girls"".

What are some alternatives to "to surround"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "to encircle", "to envelop", or "to enclose" as alternatives to "to surround".

Is it better to use "to surround" or "to be surrounded by"?

While both are grammatically correct, using the active voice "to surround" often results in a more direct and concise sentence. For example, "Trees surround the house" is more impactful than "The house is surrounded by trees."

What does it mean to figuratively "to surround" something?

Figuratively, "to surround" can mean to be immersed in or completely influenced by something, such as an atmosphere or an emotion. For instance, "Myths and legends begin "to surround that kind of person"".