coated in mud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coated in mud" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that is covered or smeared with mud, often implying a messy or dirty condition. Example: "After the heavy rain, the children came back from playing outside, completely coated in mud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

And at least one image -- of the victim rising from a brown pool, coated in mud -- feels destined to show up in your nightmares.

The New York Times

Cliché images of children with distended stomachs are replaced with a more complete picture of the problem: footage of streets crammed with rickshaw drivers, kids coated in mud during monsoon season, and the voice of a young girl explaining that some days her father, a rickshaw driver, isn't able to provide food.

The New Yorker

There were the "arm party" stacks of chunky bracelets and snap-on DayGlo backstage passes on the wrists of models wearing fringed leather jackets, disheveled message T-shirts and pants treated to look has if they had been coated in mud.

The New York Times

"Coated in mud, fine plaster and varnish they gave the appearance of gold".

The Guardian - Travel

The liner was green and coated in mud.

The Guardian

His salvage pile looked like a pitch pile, drenched in water and coated in mud.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Leaning on a tractor with his forearms coated in Georgia mud and sweat pouring down his face from the late-afternoon heat, Morris is worried.

The Guardian

Cycling over gravel – with the odd blissful stretch of asphalt – we were coated in dust and mud, suncream and Vaseline.

The Guardian - Travel

Its legs are coated in a protective mud and its kick can destroy a car in a single blow.

TechCrunch

Just like the merchant princes who earn their living pushing paper, the shoeshine society went back to work, not really expecting to make money though the streets of the financial district were still coated in a gray, chalky mud.

The New York Times

All of Belize City was coated in a layer of mud and debris, and majority of the city was destroyed or severely damaged, as was nearby Stann Creek.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coated in mud" to vividly describe a messy or dirty state, emphasizing the covering action. For instance, instead of saying "The car was dirty", specify "The car was coated in mud" after an off-road adventure.

Common error

Avoid using "coated in mud" when describing other substances like paint or oil. It's specific to mud. Instead, opt for "covered in paint" or "smeared with oil" for accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coated in mud" functions as a descriptive phrase, often serving as an adjectival modifier to illustrate the state of an object or person. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that something has a layer of mud covering its surface. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its role in detailing scenes and conditions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "coated in mud" is a common and descriptive phrase used to illustrate a state of messiness or dirtiness, specifically due to mud. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and generally suitable for neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. Related phrases like "covered in mud" or "smeared with mud" offer similar meanings, while some alternatives highlight specific aspects of the mud's application, like thickness or unevenness. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its descriptive nature and avoid using it for substances other than mud.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

covered in mud

Direct synonym, emphasizing the act of being covered.

smeared with mud

Suggests a less uniform or intentional application of mud.

caked in mud

Implies a thick, hardened layer of mud.

plastered with mud

Suggests a heavy, often messy, application of mud.

layered with mud

Emphasizes distinct layers of mud.

daubed in mud

Suggests a rough or uneven application of mud.

clad in mud

More figurative, suggesting being dressed or enveloped in mud.

covered with a layer of mud

More descriptive and less concise.

encrusted with mud

Suggests a hardened, crust-like coating of mud.

mud-covered

Adjective form indicating something is covered in mud.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "coated in mud"?

You can use alternatives like "covered in mud", "smeared with mud", or "caked in mud" depending on the context.

How do I use "coated in mud" in a sentence?

"Coated in mud" is typically used to describe something that is covered with a layer of mud. For example, "The children returned from the park, their boots coated in mud."

What's the difference between "coated in mud" and "covered in mud"?

While both phrases are similar, "coated in mud" might suggest a more deliberate or even application, while "covered in mud" is a more general description of something being covered.

Is it appropriate to use "coated in mud" in formal writing?

While "coated in mud" is generally acceptable, consider the formality of your writing. In very formal contexts, you might choose a more descriptive alternative such as "covered with a layer of mud" for added precision.