are paved with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are paved with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a metaphorical context to describe a situation or path that is filled with certain qualities or experiences, often positive ones. Example: "Her dreams are paved with determination and hard work, leading her to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

THE back roads are paved with crushed clamshells.

The New York Times

The poems are paved with outbursts and literary touchstones.

The New Yorker

The streets of her city are paved with failure and humiliation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For the rest, Britain is Eldorado, where the streets are paved with gold.

The Guardian

They say the streets are paved with gold and everyone's a millionaire".

The New York Times - Style

"They weren't lying when they said the streets are paved with gold," Mr. Batori said.

The New York Times

SOME streets are paved with gold, some roads with good intentions.

The New York Times - Travel

They come here thinking the streets are paved with gold and everything's going to be rosy.

The Washington Post

A. "Ain't down on my luck, no tales of woe, the streets I walk are paved with gold".

The New York Times

The terrace overlooking the vineyards and the piazza below are paved with cobblestones from New York City.

The New York Times - Travel

Most streets are paved with Belgian blocks, and many old market buildings have distinctive sheet-metal awnings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the subject and the quality or characteristic it's 'paved with' are logically connected to create a meaningful image or description.

Common error

Avoid using "are paved with" in literal contexts where a surface is physically being paved. This phrase is most effective when used metaphorically to convey a sense of abundance or characteristic presence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are paved with" functions as a metaphorical expression, indicating that something is characterized by or abundant in a particular quality or element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe situations metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are paved with" is a common metaphorical expression used to indicate that something is characterized by or abundant in a particular quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various writing styles, from news articles to academic papers. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with academic writing also showing consistent usage. When employing the phrase, ensure that the subject and the characteristic it describes are logically connected to maximize its impact. While the phrase is versatile, avoid using it in literal contexts; its strength lies in its figurative application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are filled with

Focuses on the content or components that constitute something.

are abundant in

Highlights the plentiful presence of something.

are rich in

Emphasizes the wealth or high concentration of a particular quality or element.

are characterized by

Indicates that something is a notable or typical feature.

are replete with

Suggests being fully or abundantly supplied.

are lined with

Implies that something is situated along the sides of something else.

are covered in

Focuses on the surface being entirely occupied by something.

are thick with

Suggests a dense concentration or presence.

are strewn with

Indicates something scattered loosely over a surface.

are laden with

Implies a heavy burden or abundance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "are paved with" in a sentence?

Use "are paved with" to describe something characterized by a particular element. For example, "The road to success "is paved with" hard work" or "The streets "are paved with" good intentions".

What's a good alternative to "are paved with"?

Alternatives include "are filled with", "are rich in", or "are characterized by", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "is paved with" or "are paved with"?

"Are paved with" is used with plural nouns, while "is paved with" is for singular nouns. For instance, "The streets "are paved with" gold", but "The path "is paved with" good intentions".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "are paved with"?

Avoid using "are paved with" in contexts requiring a literal description of paving. This phrase is best suited for metaphorical or figurative language where you're emphasizing the prevalence of something.