be flush against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be flush against" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something lies against something else with no gaps or protrusions. For example: "The wall and floor tiles should be flush against each other for a neat finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The paper should be flush against the box so that it forms subtle creases along the edges.

The New York Times

Cut the drain stub so that the drain adaptor will be flush against the wall.

WikiHow

The bed should be flush against a guard-rail or the wall.

WikiHow

Longest row will be flush against the bottom of the hanger--most likely you will use 5 rings.

WikiHow

This creates a box with 1 open end that will be flush against the wall once installed.

WikiHow

Since the shelf has little support, it needs to be flush against a wall, or have some sort of similar flat backing.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Her head is in her lap, her right cheek is flush against her stomach.

The New Yorker

The burgundy strip was flush against the skin on Jason's neck, sitting under rather than over the new shirt.

The New York Times

The ball then ricocheted off a small segment of chain-link fence that sits atop the wall and is flush against it, and landed on the field.

The New York Times - Sports

The screen came across as deep, not flat, even though the 85" diagonal prototype was flush against the wall.

Los Angeles Times

Now, as my driver slams the gas pedal until it is flush against the floor, blasting by color-coded cones that signal where to point the car, I bring up that old F-16 feeling... but, this time, manage to tamp it down.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the installation of materials, ensure that your instructions specify that surfaces "be flush against" each other for optimal performance and a professional finish.

Common error

Don't assume readers understand the importance of surfaces being perfectly aligned. Clearly state why surfaces must "be flush against" each other, whether for structural integrity, aesthetic reasons, or to prevent leaks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be flush against" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifying a particular state of alignment or contact between two surfaces or objects. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be flush against" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe perfect alignment or contact between surfaces, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is versatile and suitable for a variety of contexts, ranging from technical instructions to descriptive writing. While "be flush against" appears most frequently in Wiki and News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral to formal register. The AI-powered platform Ludwig highlights its proper usage through numerous real-world examples, ensuring clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be aligned with

Focuses on alignment rather than physical contact.

be in contact with

Emphasizes the state of touching without specific positioning.

be in alignment with

Highlights the idea of being in a correct position or arrangement.

be pressed against

Suggests a force is causing the contact.

be butted up against

Implies the end of one object is touching another.

be sitting against

Indicates the presence on the edge of something.

be adjoining to

Describes things that are close together, sharing a boundary or wall.

be touching

Uses simple phrasing to express making contact.

be butted together

Emphasizes the junction where the ends of two things abut.

be affixed to

Highlights the fact something is attached to another thing.

FAQs

How do you use "be flush against" in a sentence?

You can use "be flush against" to describe surfaces that are perfectly aligned and in close contact, such as "The countertop should "be flush against" the wall for a seamless look".

What does "be flush against" mean?

The phrase "be flush against" means that two surfaces are aligned on the same plane, with no gaps or protrusions.

What can I say instead of "be flush against"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be aligned with", "be in contact with", or "be pressed against", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is flush against"?

Yes, "is flush against" is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase "be flush against" is the infinitive form. For example, "The shelf is flush against the wall".