are greasy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are greasy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has an oily or slick texture, often referring to food or surfaces. Example: "The fries from that restaurant are greasy, making them less appealing to health-conscious customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The deep-fried spring rolls are greasy.

The New York Times

Umami burgers, in my experience, are greasy, juicy, and fat, with a deep, pickley tang; they stuff you, and make you want more.

The New Yorker

"The beef isn't at all aromatic, it's actually very bland," he said, "the noodles are greasy and the carrots aren't spicy.

Independent

Neither, among the pink-and-gray Formica counters, the cracked leatherette bar stools, the booths anchored at one end by napkin holders, sugar packettes, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper shakers (which are greasy) and half-empty cream pitchers, do you find ambience.

The New York Times - Arts

Your fingers are greasy with churro grease and sunblock, your battery is getting hammered and there's (almost) no Wi-Fi.

TechCrunch

All the vendors are greasy, old curmudgeons with snaggleteeth who smell like Eau de Czech Republic.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"They're greasy.

The New York Times

Its lustre is greasy to resinous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The coat is greasy and water-repellent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It can be greasy and leaden.

The New York Times - Food

There were greasy chins and sauce-stained paper towels.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, be specific about the source of the greasiness. Is it from natural fats or added oils? This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

While "greasy" is acceptable in many situations, avoid it in formal writing when describing something negative, such as unethical behavior. Opt for terms like "unscrupulous" or "sleazy" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are greasy" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It's used to attribute a quality of being oily or covered in grease to a noun. This is seen in examples provided by Ludwig, such as "The deep-fried spring rolls are greasy" or "Your fingers are greasy with churro grease and sunblock".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

31%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are greasy" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that has an oily or slick texture. Ludwig's analysis indicates its usage is most frequent in News & Media and Wiki contexts, with a generally neutral to informal register. While acceptable in many situations, it's best to consider more refined terms in formal writing, as suggested by Ludwig AI. When describing food, providing details about the source of greasiness enhances clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are oily

A more direct and common synonym.

are covered in grease

Directly states the presence of a coating of grease.

have an oily texture

Focuses on the texture rather than just the presence of grease.

are laden with grease

Emphasizes the weight and abundance of the grease.

are saturated with oil

Emphasizes the abundance of oil present.

are slippery to the touch

Focuses on the sensation when touched.

possess a slick surface

Highlights the smoothness caused by the grease.

have a fatty consistency

Highlights the presence of fat contributing to the greasiness.

are unctuous

Uses a more formal and descriptive term for greasy.

exude oil

Suggests the oil is actively being released.

FAQs

How can I use "are greasy" in a sentence?

You can use "are greasy" to describe food, surfaces, or objects that have an oily or slick texture. For example, "The french fries are greasy" or "The tools are greasy after working on the car".

What words have a similar meaning to "are greasy"?

Synonyms for "are greasy" include "are oily", "are slick", or "are unctuous", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "are greasy" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "are greasy" in informal and neutral contexts. However, in formal writing, consider using more refined terms, especially when describing something negative.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are greasy"?

Yes, "are greasy" is grammatically correct when used to describe something in the plural form that possesses a greasy quality.