were bricked over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were bricked over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has been blocked or sealed off, often referring to physical structures like walls or openings. Example: "The old entrance to the building was bricked over to prevent unauthorized access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Several windows were bricked over.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Windows of five other apartments on the southwest corner will probably have to be bricked over, because of the danger that a fire could spread between the two buildings.

The New York Times

The door is bricked over when the Holy Year ends.

The New York Times - Travel

"It's bricked over now, but I'd like to expose and restore it," he said.

The New York Times

A mural on Staten Island, where she lives, was bricked over three years after she completed it.

The New Yorker

On Seventh Avenue, at the back of the brownstone at No. 20 that caught fire, a second-floor window was never replaced and has been bricked over.

The New York Times

The tunnel has since been bricked over, which is tempting to read metaphorically — the closing of the American mind, made literal.

The New Yorker

Its original stainless-steel facade was bricked over in 1977, but the interior is largely intact, said George Serkizis, 63, Mr. Poulis's partner.

The New York Times

A small section of ground has been bricked over, and on it two benches face each other, on either side of a rectangular granite monument that has pictures of Tony Spigarelli and Tiffany Pohlson and Bryan Mort on it.

The New Yorker

Its main window, which was bricked over in the 60's, is being restored by the Gil Studio of Brooklyn, using part of a $100,000 grant from the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation and New York Landmarks Conservancy.

The New York Times

When they were allowed back in a week and a half later, they discovered that a fire exit had been bricked over; their hot water had been shut off; their shower faucets and taps had been excised and tiled over; and the shower drains had been plugged with freshly set concrete.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were bricked over" when you want to describe a deliberate act of closing or blocking something off permanently, often for security or structural reasons. It implies a solid and lasting barrier.

Common error

Avoid using "were bricked over" to describe temporary blockages. This phrase implies a permanent or semi-permanent closure. For temporary situations, use phrases like "were boarded up" or "were temporarily sealed" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were bricked over" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something received the action of being blocked or covered with bricks. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were bricked over" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe something that has been blocked or sealed with bricks. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to describe a state resulting from a past action, often indicating a permanent or semi-permanent closure for security or structural reasons. While versatile, it is important to avoid using it for temporary blockages. Alternatives such as "were walled up" or "were sealed with bricks" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were walled up

Replaces "bricked over" with a more general term for creating a wall, implying enclosure or blockage, but is less specific about the material used.

were sealed with bricks

Emphasizes the act of sealing something using bricks, highlighting the purpose of confinement or protection.

were closed off with bricks

Highlights the act of closing something using bricks, emphasizing prevention of access.

were covered in brickwork

Focuses on the application of brickwork as a covering, suggesting a decorative or protective layer rather than a complete blockage.

were blocked by brick

Focuses on the action of being physically obstructed by brick, but is less direct than the original phrase.

were encased in brick

Suggests a complete surrounding or enclosure within brick, emphasizing a more comprehensive covering.

were filled with brickwork

Focuses on the act of filling a space with brickwork, suggesting a deliberate act of construction to occupy a void.

were rendered inaccessible with brick

Emphasizes the consequence of being blocked by brick which makes the location not easily or unable to access.

had bricks laid over them

Describes the action of placing bricks over something, highlighting a construction process.

were obstructed with brick

Implies that the construction of the obstruction is to limit or make it difficult to pass or access.

FAQs

What does "were bricked over" mean?

The phrase "were bricked over" describes the act of closing an opening or space with bricks, creating a solid and often permanent barrier. It suggests that something has been deliberately blocked or sealed off using brickwork.

When is it appropriate to use "were bricked over"?

Use "were bricked over" when you want to convey the idea of a permanent or semi-permanent closure. This is often done for security reasons, to prevent access, or as part of a construction or renovation project. For instance, the sentence "Several windows "were bricked over" for security reasons" implies a lasting change to the building's structure.

What are some alternatives to "were bricked over"?

Alternatives to "were bricked over" include phrases like "were walled up", "were sealed with bricks", or "were blocked with brick". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "were bricked over" formal or informal?

"Were bricked over" is a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news reports, historical accounts, and general descriptions, making it versatile for various writing styles.