a shelf full of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shelf full of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a shelf that is filled with items, indicating abundance or variety. Example: "In the corner of the room, there was a shelf full of books, each one waiting to be read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

We have a shelf full of them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's quite a shelf full of books.

The New York Times

He had a shelf full of honors, and then some.

The New York Times - Sports

"But that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with a shelf full of food".

The New York Times - Tech

Lowe Tucker Metcalf already has a shelf full of creative awards.

The New York Times

In a corridor outside my office, I have a shelf full of books about the Reagan Administration.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He wrote a shelf-full of books, many about England tours overseas.

Independent

Now a shelf-full of other Anglophones have joined him, three of the most accomplished from Australia.

Independent

Polly Stenham won golden opinions, and a shelf-full of awards, for her first play, That Face, in 2007.

The Guardian

Fiercely intelligent and hauntingly beautiful, she gives a passionate, courageous performance that deserves a shelf-full of awards; it's already made her an Asian movie-star to rival Zhang Ziyi.

The Guardian - Film

Now, I have an embarrassing confession to make: I have a shelf-full of books about fashion and style.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual scenes, use "a shelf full of" to quickly convey the idea of abundance and completeness without needing to list every item individually. For example, "The antique store had a shelf full of porcelain dolls."

Common error

While "a shelf full of" is perfectly acceptable, consider using more descriptive or formal alternatives like "a well-stocked shelf" or "a comprehensive collection" in professional writing to enhance clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shelf full of" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (often implied) to specify the contents and condition of a shelf, indicating that it is filled to capacity. This usage is supported by examples from Ludwig AI, where it's used to describe shelves filled with books, toys, food, etc.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a shelf full of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Its purpose is to convey abundance or completeness. Predominantly used in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When aiming for more descriptive or formal language, consider alternatives such as "a well-stocked shelf".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shelf overflowing with

Emphasizes abundance and exceeding capacity, making it slightly more emphatic than the original phrase.

a shelf brimming with

Similar to overflowing, suggesting the shelf is on the verge of spilling over.

a shelf packed with

Suggests that the shelf is very tightly filled, implying a lack of space.

a shelf loaded with

Implies a heavy burden or a large quantity placed on the shelf.

a shelf stacked with

Focuses on the act of piling items high on the shelf.

a shelf teeming with

Suggests a vibrant, almost overflowing abundance, suitable for metaphorical use.

a fully laden shelf

Emphasizes the weight and completeness of the shelf's contents, using a more formal tone.

a well-stocked shelf

Highlights the completeness and readiness of the shelf's contents.

a comprehensively stocked shelf

Highlights thoroughness and variety in the shelf's contents, suitable for professional contexts.

a complete collection on the shelf

Shifts the focus from the shelf itself to the completeness of the items on it.

FAQs

How can I use "a shelf full of" in a sentence?

You can use "a shelf full of" to describe a shelf that is filled with a particular item or items. For instance, "I have "a shelf full of books" I plan to read."

What are some alternatives to "a shelf full of"?

Alternatives include "a shelf packed with", "a shelf overflowing with", or "a well-stocked shelf", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a shelf full with" instead of "a shelf full of"?

No, the correct phrase is "a shelf full of". The preposition "of" is essential for indicating the contents of the shelf.

What is the difference between "a shelf full of books" and "a bookshelf full of books"?

"A shelf full of books" refers to one specific shelf that is filled with books. "A bookshelf full of books" implies that an entire bookshelf, which may consist of multiple shelves, is filled with books.