surroundings

Everyday

Your surroundings are everything around you: the place you are in and the things and conditions near you. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety pupils learn to be aware of their surroundings: look and listen around you when crossing roads, walking alone or using a phone. In science, animals are adapted to their surroundings, and camouflage helps them blend in. In stories new surroundings can make characters nervous or curious. Phrases: «be aware of your surroundings», «in new surroundings», «natural surroundings».

Examples

• Take your headphones off and notice your surroundings. tree →
• The chameleon changes colour to match its surroundings. tree →
• It took the puppy a while to get used to its new surroundings. tree →
• The hotel is in beautiful surroundings by a lake. tree →
• Stay alert to your surroundings when you are out alone. tree →
• The animals live in their natural surroundings, not in cages. tree →
• Look at your surroundings and find a landmark if you get lost. tree →
• In science we studied how plants react to their surroundings. tree →
• I hastily surveyed my surroundings, and saw that I was safe from all pursuit from the town. tree →

Note

Always plural with a plural verb: «My surroundings are…». From «surround». Similar: «environment». Do not write «a surrounding» for this meaning; «surrounding» alone is an adjective («the surrounding hills»).