Gird vs Surround: Which Should You Use In Writing?

Are you confused about the difference between the words “gird” and “surround”? These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the definitions of each word and provide examples of how to use them correctly.

We should define the two words:

• Gird: To encircle or bind with a belt or band.
• Surround: To enclose or encircle something completely.

So, while both words involve encircling something, “gird” specifically refers to binding or belting something, while “surround” refers to enclosing something completely.

Now that we’ve established the definitions, let’s dive deeper into the differences between these two words and when to use them.

Define Gird

Gird is a verb that means to encircle or surround something, typically with a belt or band. It can also mean to prepare oneself mentally or emotionally for something difficult or challenging.

For example, a knight might gird his sword around his waist before heading into battle. Alternatively, an athlete might gird themselves mentally before a big game.

Gird can also be used in a figurative sense, such as when someone “girds their loins” to mean they are preparing themselves for a difficult task or situation.

Define Surround

Surround is a verb that means to enclose or encompass something completely. It can also mean to be situated all around something.

For example, a house might be surrounded by a fence or a forest might surround a lake. In a more abstract sense, someone might feel surrounded by love or surrounded by enemies.

Surround can also be used as a noun, such as when referring to a surround sound system that creates an immersive audio experience.

Comparison between gird and surround

Gird	Surround
Typically involves encircling or surrounding with a belt or band	Encompasses something completely
Can be used in a figurative sense to mean preparing oneself mentally or emotionally	Can be used to describe a physical or abstract situation

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, using the right words in a sentence is crucial to conveying the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “gird” and “surround” properly in a sentence.

How To Use “Gird” In A Sentence

The word “gird” is a verb that means to encircle or surround something with a belt or band. It can also mean to prepare oneself for a difficult task or challenge. Here are some examples of how to use “gird” in a sentence:

• She girded herself with a warm coat before heading out into the cold winter weather.
• The castle was girded by a high stone wall to protect it from invaders.
• He needed to gird himself mentally before giving the important presentation.

As you can see, “gird” is often used to describe physically surrounding something with a belt or band. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe mentally preparing oneself for a challenge.

How To Use “Surround” In A Sentence

The word “surround” is a verb that means to enclose or circle around something. It can also mean to be present on all sides of something. Here are some examples of how to use “surround” in a sentence:

• The garden was surrounded by a tall hedge to provide privacy.
• The city is surrounded by mountains on all sides.
• The police officers surrounded the building, hoping to catch the suspect inside.

As you can see, “surround” is often used to describe physical encirclement, but it can also be used more broadly to describe being present on all sides of something.

Remember, using the right words in a sentence is essential to conveying the intended meaning. By following these guidelines, you can use “gird” and “surround” properly in your writing.

More Examples Of Gird & Surround Used In Sentences

Here are some additional examples of how to use the words “gird” and “surround” in sentences:

Examples Of Using Gird In A Sentence

• The workers will gird the building with steel to make it stronger.
• She decided to gird herself for the long day ahead.
• He had to gird his loins before going into battle.
• The city decided to gird the river with a protective wall.
• We need to gird ourselves for the upcoming storm.
• The team will gird themselves for the tough game ahead.
• The company will gird itself for the upcoming recession.
• The soldier had to gird himself for the dangerous mission.
• The athlete will gird herself for the upcoming competition.
• The workers will gird the bridge with concrete to make it stronger.

Examples Of Using Surround In A Sentence

• The castle was surrounded by a moat to keep out invaders.
• The city is surrounded by mountains on all sides.
• The police surrounded the building to catch the criminal inside.
• The garden was surrounded by a fence to keep out animals.
• The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters.
• The town is surrounded by a dense forest.
• The house is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
• The team was surrounded by fans after winning the championship.
• The lake is surrounded by hiking trails.
• The park is surrounded by tall buildings.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “gird” and “surround,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes people make and why they are incorrect:

Mistake #1: Using “Gird” When “Surround” Is More Appropriate

One common mistake is using “gird” when “surround” would be more appropriate. To “gird” something means to encircle it with a belt or a band, usually for support or reinforcement. On the other hand, to “surround” something means to enclose it completely, without necessarily providing support or reinforcement.

For example, if you wanted to describe a city that is completely surrounded by mountains, you would say “the city is surrounded by mountains,” not “the city is girded by mountains.” Using “gird” in this context would imply that the mountains are providing support or reinforcement to the city, which is not the case.

Mistake #2: Using “Surround” When “Gird” Is More Appropriate

Another common mistake is using “surround” when “gird” would be more appropriate. As mentioned earlier, to “gird” something means to encircle it with a belt or a band for support or reinforcement. This can also be used metaphorically to describe providing support or reinforcement to something.

For example, if you wanted to describe a company that is preparing for a new product launch by strengthening its infrastructure, you could say “the company is girding itself for the new product launch.” Using “surround” in this context would not convey the same meaning of providing support or reinforcement.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the distinct meanings of “gird” and “surround.” Here are some tips:

• Use “gird” when describing providing support or reinforcement to something.
• Use “surround” when describing enclosing something completely.
• If you’re not sure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to check the definitions and synonyms.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “gird” and “surround” can be dependent on the context in which they are used. The context can determine which word is more appropriate to use in a specific situation.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how they can affect the choice between “gird” and “surround.”

Context	Choice between “Gird” and “Surround”
Architecture	When referring to a building’s support structure, “gird” is more commonly used. For example, “The steel beams gird the foundation of the building.”
Geography	When referring to a geographical area, “surround” is more commonly used. For example, “The city is surrounded by mountains.”
Warfare	When referring to a military strategy, “surround” is more commonly used. For example, “The enemy troops were surrounded by our forces.”

In each of these examples, the context determines which word is more appropriate to use. It is important to understand the context in order to use the correct word and convey the intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using gird and surround are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind.

Exception 1: Non-physical Objects

The rules for using gird and surround typically apply to physical objects, but there are some cases where non-physical objects can also be girded or surrounded. For example:

• Concepts or ideas can be girded or surrounded by evidence or supporting arguments. For instance, “The argument was girded by a wealth of data.”
• Emotions or feelings can be girded or surrounded by physical sensations. For instance, “She felt girded by a sense of calm.”

Exception 2: Figurative Language

Figurative language can also create exceptions to the rules for using gird and surround. For example:

• Metaphors can use gird or surround in a non-literal way. For instance, “She was girded by a sense of determination.”
• Similes can use gird or surround to create a comparison. For instance, “The city was surrounded by mountains like a fortress.”

Exception 3: Regional Differences

Finally, it’s worth noting that there may be regional differences in how gird and surround are used. For instance, in some areas, gird may be used more frequently than surround, or vice versa.

Overall, while these exceptions may seem to complicate the rules for using gird and surround, they actually highlight the flexibility and versatility of the English language.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between gird and surround, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your usage of these words:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose either gird or surround to fill in the blank in each of the following sentences:

1. The castle was __________ by a high stone wall.
2. The boxer’s trainer helped him __________ his gloves before the fight.
3. The city __________ the park with tall buildings on all sides.
4. She felt a sense of security when she __________ herself with a warm blanket.

Answer Key:

1. surrounded
2. gird
3. surrounded
4. girded

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using either gird or surround:

1. The soldiers protected the castle by standing around it.
2. The mountain range encircled the valley.
3. The swimmer wrapped a towel around herself after getting out of the pool.

Answer Key:

1. The soldiers girded the castle.
2. The valley was surrounded by the mountain range.
3. The swimmer surrounded herself with a towel after getting out of the pool.

By completing these exercises, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the use of gird and surround in your writing. Keep practicing and soon it will become second nature!

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between gird and surround, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in writing and speaking. Gird refers to the act of encircling or preparing oneself for a challenge or task, while surround refers to the act of enclosing or encompassing something or someone.

One key takeaway is that using the wrong word can create confusion or ambiguity in communication. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the context and intended meaning when choosing between gird and surround.

Tips For Proper Word Usage

• When referring to preparing oneself for a challenge or task, use gird.
• When referring to enclosing or encompassing something or someone, use surround.
• Consult a dictionary or thesaurus if unsure about the correct usage.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their communication skills and avoid common mistakes. Whether through reading books, taking courses, or practicing writing, there are many ways to enhance one’s understanding of language and effectively convey ideas to others.