was sealed off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was sealed off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action of completely blocking access to a certain place or area. For example: "The town was sealed off after reports of a terrorist attack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The next day, Mishal's cell was sealed off, Ali said.

The Washington Post

A front porch was sealed off by fallen branches.

The New Yorker

Access to its interior was sealed off in the 1980s.

The Guardian - Arts

Orbis's work was sealed off, behind a legal barrier.

The New Yorker

Clark was sealed off, a mystery, even to himself.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The site at the Abl Fazl shrine was sealed off by Afghan National Security Forces.

Independent

After the Turkish intervention in 1974, Varosha was sealed off to civilians and tourism ceased.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The area was sealed off with police tape, but the zoo remained open.

The New York Times

By later afternoon, Trafalgar Square was sealed off with protesters surrounded by a police cordon.

The Guardian

The building was sealed off in 1998 when their father was put under house arrest.

The New York Times

A South Armagh village was sealed off today after a suspect device was abandoned.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an area "was sealed off", specify the reason for the action, such as "due to a security threat" or "for forensic investigation".

Common error

Avoid using the active voice when the passive voice is more appropriate. For example, instead of "They sealed off the area", use "The area "was sealed off" by the police".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was sealed off" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject (area, building, etc.) has been subjected to the action of being sealed off. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

12%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was sealed off" is a grammatically correct and widely used passive verb phrase that signifies the blocking or restriction of access to a particular area. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is very common and appropriate for a wide range of contexts. It's particularly prevalent in news and media, but also appears in scientific, encyclopedic, and other forms of writing. When using this phrase, consider specifying the reason for the action to provide clarity. Alternatives such as "was blocked off" or "was cordoned off" can be employed to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was blocked off

Emphasizes physical obstruction or blockage preventing access.

was cordoned off

Highlights the use of a cordon, often by authorities, to restrict entry.

was isolated

Focuses on the state of being separated or detached from others.

was closed down

Indicates a more permanent or official cessation of activity or access.

was shut down

Similar to 'closed down', but can also imply a temporary suspension.

was secured

Highlights actions taken to protect an area and limit accessibility.

was barricaded

Focuses on the use of barriers to prevent entry or exit.

was inaccessible

Emphasizes the inability to reach or enter a place.

was quarantined

Specifically refers to isolation to prevent the spread of disease.

was sectioned off

Highlights a smaller area marked or divided.

FAQs

How is "was sealed off" used in a sentence?

The phrase "was sealed off" indicates that access to a particular area or location has been completely blocked or restricted. For example, "The crime scene "was sealed off" by police".

What can I say instead of "was sealed off"?

You can use alternatives like "was blocked off", "was cordoned off", or "was isolated" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "was sealed off" in formal writing?

Yes, "was sealed off" is suitable for formal writing. It is commonly used in news reports, official statements, and academic papers to describe restricted areas.

What's the difference between "was sealed off" and "was closed off"?

While both phrases imply restricted access, "was sealed off" often suggests a more thorough and secure closure, typically involving law enforcement or emergency services. "Was closed off" is a more general term for preventing access.