ENGLISH
REFERENCE

be surrounded by sb/sth

fixed phr..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. to have people or things all around you on every side.

fixed phr.. to be encircled or encompassed by people or objects; often used in the passive voice to describe the environment or social setting of a subject.


SIMPLE

The house is surrounded by tall trees.

CONTEXTUAL

During the press conference, the famous actor was surrounded by reporters asking for a comment.

COMPLEX

The medieval fortress was completely surrounded by a deep moat and thick stone walls to deter potential invaders.

Usage

almost always used in the passive form (be + surrounded) followed by the preposition 'by'.

Teaching tip

point out that while the literal sense is spatial, it is often used figuratively to describe a person's social circle or influence, such as being 'surrounded by experts'.

Pitfall

The garden is surrounded from flowers.The garden is surrounded by flowers.the preposition 'by' is the standard choice to indicate the agent or things doing the surrounding.

© 2026 English Reference