What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
surrounding
Example
The surrounding mountains provided a breathtaking view. [surrounding: adjective]
Example
She was aware of the dangers in her surrounding area. [surrounding: noun]
Example
The noise from the surrounding construction made it difficult to concentrate. [surrounding: present participle]
neighboring
Example
The neighboring town has a great farmer's market. [neighboring: adjective]
Example
The two neighboring countries have a long history of conflict. [neighboring: present participle]
Example
I met my neighbor while walking in the neighboring park. [neighboring: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Neighboring is more commonly used than surrounding in everyday language. Neighboring is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while surrounding is less common and refers to the environment or conditions around a particular place or thing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between surrounding and neighboring?
Both surrounding and neighboring are relatively formal words and are appropriate for use in academic or professional contexts.
