be lined with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be lined with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to mean that something is arranged with a particular kind of thing along its length. For example, "The walls of the room were lined with bookshelves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Its Canal Street will be lined with shops and cafes.

The New York Times

The explosion area appeared to be lined with cheering spectators.

The Guardian

This means that utensils that come into contact with food must be lined with tin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every day, Justine's bedside table would be lined with glasses of water.

Independent

They may be lined with firebrick or constructed entirely of heat-resistant alloys.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One reason for copper's comeback is new technology enabling it to be lined with stainless steel.

Independent

The grounds will be lined with dozens of gourmet food stalls and seating for 500.

The New York Times

The shells may be lined with delicate crystals of feldspar, quartz, or tridymite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bathroom walls and floors are to be lined with Turkish marble.

The New York Times

Similarly, floors, doorways and windows have to be lined with plastic and workers must wear protective gear.

The New York Times

The walls may be of the natural rough rock or may be lined with concrete, wood, or steel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be lined with" to vividly describe streets, paths, or containers, emphasizing the arrangement and quantity of the objects or items along or within them. For example, "The streets were lined with cheering crowds."

Common error

Avoid using the wrong preposition after "be lined". The correct preposition is "with". Incorrect: "be lined by". Correct: "be lined with."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be lined with" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase, describing a state where something has items arranged along its sides or inner surface. It is commonly used to depict visual arrangements or functional features, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

24%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be lined with" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to describe a scene, object, or space that features items arranged along its length or inner surface. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias and general writing. While alternatives like "be bordered by" exist, "be lined with" provides a specific emphasis on the arrangement of items. Remember to use the correct preposition "with" and use this construction to paint vivid and informative descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be bordered by

Focuses on the presence of a border formed by something.

be edged with

Implies a narrow strip or border along an edge.

be flanked by

Suggests something is positioned on either side, often for protection or prominence.

be arrayed with

Indicates a display or arrangement, often decorative.

be covered in

Suggests a surface is entirely occupied by something.

be filled with

Indicates a space is completely occupied by something else.

feature

Uses an active voice to highlight what something includes or displays.

have

A simple way to indicate possession or inclusion of something.

include

Highlights the elements that form a part of a thing.

consist of

Emphasizes the components that make up something.

FAQs

How can I use "be lined with" in a sentence?

The phrase "be lined with" is used to describe something that has items or objects arranged along its sides or inner surface. For example: "The shelves "will be lined with" books."

What's a good alternative to "be lined with"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "be bordered by", "be edged with", or "be flanked by" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be lined by" instead of "be lined with"?

While "be lined by" might sometimes sound correct, "be lined with" is the more common and grammatically appropriate choice when describing something that has items arranged along its length or surface.

What does it mean when something is described as "be lined with"?

When something is described as "be lined with", it means that it has a series of items or objects positioned along its edges, sides, or inner surface, often creating a visually striking or functionally relevant arrangement.