be saturated with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be saturated with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is filled or soaked with a particular quality or substance. Example: "The air was saturated with the scent of blooming flowers in the garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thoughts and feelings can be saturated with malice and sometimes this is directed at the therapist.

The Guardian - Books

Any "most popular" list will inevitably be saturated with our unquestioned masters and overlords: celebrities.

The Guardian

All the material must be chipped and all the chippings need to be saturated with water to break down quickly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In addition, the online art market may already be saturated with established Web-based retailers, like Eyestorm, Artnet, and Artspace.

The New Yorker

The bread will turn crisp and golden in places and be saturated with the hot fat in others.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All the same, you have to wonder whether the UK will soon be saturated with coffee shops.

The Guardian - Business

Key television markets will continue to be saturated with ads, and the number of them will grow.

The New York Times

When I went to clubs at Legba's age, I knew them to be saturated with alcohol, and I never felt relaxed in one.

The New York Times - Magazine

Over the coming months, the media will be saturated with images of A-listers such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Lewis Hamilton sunning themselves on superyachts in stylish locations.

The Guardian

For bathing in public a dress has to contain so much material that its texture, since it is to be saturated with water, becomes of the first importance.

The Guardian - Books

Are we equipped to learn from our mistakes and take control of our own data in a world that promises to be saturated with sensors?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be saturated with" to vividly describe a state of complete absorption or permeation, whether it's a physical substance or an abstract quality. For instance, "The article was saturated with emotion."

Common error

While "be saturated with" is appropriate in many contexts, consider a more formal alternative like "replete with" or "abundant in" for professional or academic writing. This maintains a polished tone without sacrificing clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be saturated with" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is completely filled or permeated by something. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase often describes the state of being thoroughly imbued with a substance, quality, or element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Lifestyle

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be saturated with" is a versatile and common expression used to describe something that is thoroughly filled or permeated by a particular substance, quality, or element. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives for academic or highly professional writing. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of intensity and thoroughness. Remember to use it to vividly describe states of complete absorption or permeation. Steer clear of overuse and explore alternatives to maintain stylistic variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be overfilled with

Emphasizes that something is filled beyond its capacity.

be permeated with

Indicates that something is thoroughly penetrated or spread throughout.

be crowded with

Indicates a high density of something within a space, focusing on the physical presence or occupancy.

be overloaded with

Highlights that something is carrying an excessive amount, potentially causing strain or malfunction.

be flooded with

Indicates an overwhelming abundance, often suggesting a sudden or excessive influx.

be congested with

Suggests blockage or obstruction due to excessive content or elements.

be clogged with

Implies that something is obstructed or impeded due to an overabundance of a particular substance or element.

be teeming with

This alternative describes a state of being full and overflowing with life or activity.

be oversupplied with

Suggests that there is an excess of something available, often in a commercial or economic context.

be imbued with

Implies the presence of a quality or feeling that permeates and affects something deeply.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be saturated with" indicates that something is thoroughly filled or permeated with something else. For example, "The sponge was saturated with water" or "The market is "crowded with" similar products".

What are some alternatives to "be saturated with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be filled with", "be imbued with", "be permeated with", or "be "replete with"".

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

While "be saturated by" might be grammatically understandable, "be saturated with" is the more common and idiomatic expression. The use of "with" emphasizes the element or substance that something is filled or permeated by.

What's the difference between "be saturated with" and "be full of"?

Both phrases indicate that something is filled, but "be saturated with" suggests a more thorough or intense permeation. "Be full of" simply indicates that something contains a lot of something else. For example, a glass can be full of water, but a sponge can be saturated with it.