awash in

USAGE SUMMARY

"awash in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to mean that something is filled with or surrounded by a specific thing. For example, you could say, "The room was awash in laughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

WBAI is awash in debt.

The New York Times

Isa is awash in triangles.

The New York Times - Food

Haiti is awash in promises.

The New York Times

Benghazi was awash in rumors.

The New Yorker

I was awash in time.

The New York Times - Travel

We're awash in ratings.

The Guardian

We are awash in cheap oil.

The New Yorker

The transplant industry is awash in cash.

The New York Times

This flat is awash in it.

The New Yorker

"We are awash in guns," he said.

The New York Times

Russia reveals it is awash in diamonds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your subject; while versatile, "awash in" often carries a slight nuance of being overwhelmed, which can be useful for social or economic commentary.

Common error

Avoid using "awash in" when you mean literal cleaning or a neutral outcome (a wash). The phrase specifically implies a state of being covered or filled by something else, not the act of rinsing or the result of a tie.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awash in" functions as a compound adjective (or an adjective followed by a prepositional phrase) that modifies a noun or follows a linking verb. According to Ludwig, it serves to describe a state of immersion or abundance, transforming a literal nautical term (a deck level with the water) into a versatile metaphor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "awash in" is a highly effective idiomatic expression used to denote an overwhelming presence or abundance. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptance in prestige journalism and professional writing. Whether describing a city "awash in cultural festivals" or a market "awash in cheap oil", the phrase provides a strong visual sense of saturation. It is a reliable choice for writers looking to add metaphorical depth to their descriptions of quantity and scale.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flooded with

Uses a similar water metaphor but often implies a sudden arrival of items or information.

inundated with

More formal and strongly emphasizes being overwhelmed by the sheer volume.

teeming with

Implies that the abundance is active, moving or full of life.

saturated with

Suggests that something is so full that it cannot absorb any more.

overflowing with

Indicates that the quantity has exceeded the capacity of its container.

abounding in

A more formal and literary way to express plenty.

brimming with

Suggests being full to the very top, often used for positive emotions.

rife with

Usually used for negative or undesirable things like rumors, crime or disease.

suffused with

Implies a gradual spreading through, often used for light, color or emotion.

replete with

A formal term meaning well-supplied or completely full.

FAQs

What does "awash in" mean?

The phrase "awash in" is used to describe something that is filled with, covered by or overwhelmed by a specific thing. As noted by Ludwig AI, it suggests being surrounded by a large quantity, such as a room being "awash in laughter".

Is "awash in" formal?

It is considered a neutral to professional phrase. It is frequently seen in high-quality journalism like "The New York Times" and "The Economist", making it suitable for both creative writing and business reports.

What is the difference between "awash in" and "awash with"?

Both are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. However, "awash in" is more common in American English, while "awash with" is frequently used in British English.

Can I use "awash in" for negative things?

Yes, it is very common to use it for negative contexts such as being "awash in debt", "awash in rumors" or "awash in problems".