be crammed full

USAGE SUMMARY

"be crammed full" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is filled to capacity or overflowing with items or information. Example: "The suitcase was crammed full of clothes for the trip." Alternative expressions include "be packed full" and "be filled to the brim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

F. This was something sure to be crammed full of warm secrets, like an antique clock built when peace filled the world.

The New York Times

"The West Pier Trust will retain control of the pier struc ture and it will not be crammed full of funfair attractions like Brighton Pier," he said.

The Guardian

If you can't make it tonight, just come back to the gallery Thursday through Sunday, when it won't be crammed full of people half-drunk on the open bar vodka.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Florence is crammed full.

The Guardian - Opinion

His apartment was crammed full of furniture.

The New Yorker

I'm crammed full of painful things I witnessed".

The Guardian - Books

Fencing is crammed full of rules, infringements and jargon.

The Guardian - Sport

His malnutrition ward was crammed full of dozens of children lying on mats.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now cars are crammed full of networks of computers with smart software controlling and monitoring things.

The Economist

The UN-funded malnutrition ward in Hodeidah is crammed full of similar cases.

The Guardian

Despite train carriages often being crammed full, endemic corruption has led to revenue shortfalls.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be crammed full" to vividly describe a space or container that is filled beyond its normal capacity, often with a sense of slight disorder or excess. For example, "The subway car was crammed full of commuters."

Common error

Avoid using "be crammed full" excessively in a single piece of writing. Variety your descriptive language by incorporating synonyms like "be packed solid" or "be filled to capacity" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be crammed full" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that something is filled to or beyond its capacity, often suggesting a somewhat disordered or excessive filling. Ludwig's examples confirm its adjectival role in describing the state of being full.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be crammed full" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to convey that something is filled to or beyond its capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage, frequently found in news and media sources. While it's generally neutral in register, varying your descriptive language by incorporating synonyms like "be packed solid" or "be filled to capacity" can improve your writing. Use "be crammed full" to vividly depict spaces or containers filled beyond their normal capacity, adding detail to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be packed solid

Implies a tighter, denser filling than "be crammed full".

be filled to capacity

More formal and emphasizes reaching the maximum limit.

be overflowing

Suggests contents are spilling out due to being overfilled.

be bursting at the seams

Figurative language indicating extreme fullness and potential breakage.

be chock-full

An informal and emphatic alternative.

be jam-packed

Similar to "be packed solid" but slightly more informal.

be loaded to the hilt

Suggests an item or container is filled to its absolute maximum.

be stacked high

Focuses on a vertical filling arrangement.

be teeming with

Implies being filled with living things or activity.

be heavy with

Indicates a filling that adds significant weight.

FAQs

How can I use "be crammed full" in a sentence?

You can use "be crammed full" to describe a space or container that is filled beyond its normal capacity. For example, "The attic was crammed full of old furniture".

What can I say instead of "be crammed full"?

You can use alternatives such as "be packed solid", "be filled to capacity", or "be overflowing", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is crammed with" instead of "is crammed full of"?

Yes, both "is crammed with" and "is crammed full of" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "be crammed full" and "be packed"?

"Be packed" generally implies a neat and organized filling, while "be crammed full" suggests a less organized, more forceful filling to the point of exceeding capacity. For example, you might say a suitcase is packed, but an overstuffed closet is crammed full.