bleeding ink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bleeding ink" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe ink that has spread or blurred on paper, often due to moisture or poor quality paper. Example: "The letter was difficult to read because of the bleeding ink that smeared the words together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

After the printer made photopolymer plates, he and De Caro inked them, and De Caro misted the paper with a spray bottle to prevent cracked paper and bleeding ink.

The New Yorker

Held down by weights on a low wooden table inside a Brooklyn loft, the large mural had suffered numerous wounds: bleeding ink, buckled paper, a torn corner and light brown staining.

The New York Times - Arts

Look for bleeding ink.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The collection was found in a "greatly deteriorated state" including staining, bleeding inks and distortion, making a detailed inventory in Iraq impossible, the August report said.

Forbes

At the top of any list is Billy Wilder's "Ace in the Hole," in which Kirk Douglas plays as unscrupulous a newspaperman as ever bled ink.

The New York Times

The sky shimmers purple then bleeds pink then bleeds ink red like STOP, red like wrong, red like incorrect, red like blood.

Huffington Post

If you just drop a highlighter into a jar of water, it won't bleed ink very quickly through the strip of felt at the tip.

WikiHow

To do this: If you just drop a highlighter into a jar of water, it won't bleed ink very quickly through the strip of felt at the tip.

WikiHow

"We're not bleeding red ink".

The New York Times

Many of these are bleeding red ink.

The Economist

Its American express-delivery business is bleeding red ink.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the effect of moisture on documents, use "bleeding ink" to vividly convey the damage and loss of clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "bleeding ink" when you mean "bleeding red ink", which refers to financial losses. "Bleeding ink" is a literal description of ink spreading, while "bleeding red ink" is an idiom.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bleeding ink" functions as a descriptive term, often used to describe the physical state of ink on paper. It provides a vivid image of the ink spreading or blurring. Ludwig shows it used in contexts describing damaged documents or counterfeit currency.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bleeding ink" is a descriptive term used to illustrate the spreading or blurring of ink on paper, often due to moisture or poor paper quality. While Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, it's relatively rare in usage. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are referring to the literal phenomenon of ink spreading and not the metaphorical "bleeding red ink", which denotes financial loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ink bleed

This alternative is a shorter, more concise way to describe the same phenomenon using noun form.

feathering ink

This alternative uses a more technical term to describe the spreading of ink, particularly in printing contexts.

ink smearing

This alternative focuses on the visual result of the ink spreading, highlighting the messy appearance.

running ink

This alternative describes the movement of ink, suggesting it's not staying in place.

blurred ink

This alternative highlights the loss of sharpness and clarity due to the ink spreading.

smeared ink

This alternative focuses on the action that created the 'bleeding', like accidentally rubbing the text.

ink diffusion

This alternative uses a scientific term to describe the dispersion of ink particles.

ink migration

This alternative employs a more formal and technical term indicating movement of the ink.

ink seepage

This alternative emphasizes the gradual leaking or oozing of the ink.

ink transgression

This alternative uses a more metaphorical and dramatic term for ink spreading beyond its intended boundaries.

FAQs

What does "bleeding ink" mean?

"Bleeding ink" refers to the phenomenon where ink spreads beyond its intended boundaries on paper, often due to moisture or low-quality paper.

What causes "bleeding ink"?

Factors like humidity, absorbent paper, or the type of ink used can cause "bleeding ink". Using the correct paper type helps prevent it.

What are some synonyms for "bleeding ink"?

Alternatives include "ink bleed", "feathering ink", or "smeared ink", depending on the specific context.

How can I prevent "bleeding ink"?

To prevent "bleeding ink", use high-quality paper designed for the specific type of ink you are using, and avoid exposing the paper to moisture.