be pitted with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be pitted with" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is used to describe a surface that has a lot of small holes or indentations. For example, "The stone surface had been pitted with years of constant wear".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The sheet of outwash may be pitted with undrained kettles or dissected by postglacial streams.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Cochran V.A. medical center suspended such procedures on Feb. 2 after surgical trays were found to be pitted with corrosion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The roads are pitted with potholes and clogged with rubbish.

The Economist

Kenya's roads, including arterial ones, are pitted with potholes.

The Economist

The clubhouse was pitted with shrapnel and bullet holes.

The New York Times

They were pitted with scars and traversed with red and purple weals.

The New Yorker

The path to a deal like this is pitted with elephant traps.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even healed, his face is pitted with purple shrapnel scars the size of raindrops.

The New York Times - Magazine

By then her brain was pitted with microscopic holes, a spongiform encephalopathy, and weighed less than a healthy human brain.

The Guardian

A spur of blond hair sprouted from his chin, and his brow, high and domed, was pitted with acne scars.

The New York Times

The forests are also rapidly being cleared — trees are harvested for timber, charcoal, and fuelwood, and the denuded land is pitted with mines and seeded with cash crops.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be pitted with" to vividly describe surfaces or situations marred by imperfections, damage, or challenges. This phrase adds a strong visual element to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be pitted with" in purely abstract contexts where a physical surface isn't implied. For instance, instead of "His argument was pitted with flaws", consider "His argument was riddled with flaws" or "His argument contained many flaws."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be pitted with" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, specifically in the passive voice. It's used to characterize a noun (typically a surface or area) as having numerous small depressions, holes, or imperfections. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be pitted with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used descriptive verb phrase, mainly in the passive voice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for illustrating the marred or damaged state of physical objects or areas. The phrase finds its niche primarily in news articles and encyclopedic entries with a neutral to slightly formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context involves a physical surface and not abstract situations. While alternatives like ""be riddled with"" or ""be scarred with"" can be considered, "be pitted with" effectively communicates a specific visual of imperfections and shallow depressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be pockmarked with

Similar to "pitted", but emphasizes a rough, uneven surface.

be riddled with

Emphasizes the abundance and pervasiveness of holes or problems.

be scarred with

Replaces "pitted" with "scarred", emphasizing visible damage or marks.

be full of holes

A literal description of a surface with many openings.

be perforated with

Highlights a pattern of holes or openings.

be marked by

A more general term indicating the presence of features or problems.

be damaged with

Highlights the presence of damage or imperfections.

be covered in potholes

Specifically refers to roads or surfaces with damage.

be etched with

Suggests the presence of lines or patterns created by a corrosive process.

be defaced with

Suggests intentional damage or markings.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be pitted with" is used to describe something that is covered with small holes or indentations. For example, "The road was "be pitted with" potholes after the heavy rain".

What is a synonym for "be pitted with"?

Some synonyms for "be pitted with" include "be riddled with", "be scarred with", or "be marked by" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'the surface is pitted'?

Yes, "the surface is pitted" is a correct and common way to describe a surface that has many small holes or indentations. This is a shorter way of saying that the surface "be pitted with" small holes.

What does it mean when something is described as 'pitted'?

When something is described as "pitted", it means that its surface is uneven and has small depressions or holes. The term can be used literally, like describing a "pitted road", or figuratively, to describe something marked by difficulties, such as "a career "be pitted with" challenges".