coloured in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coloured in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that has been filled in with colour or shades, for example "The picture had been coloured in with a variety of bright shades."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It showed those already in TPP talks coloured in yellow.

The Economist

The dividers were coloured in keeping with the colour- coding used in the initial booklet.

BMJ Open

A life has been coloured in.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I probably just coloured in the teddy bears.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The building is very angular and is coloured in different shades of grey.

The Guardian

Events are prejudged and afterwards analysed; everything is starkly outlined and then carefully coloured in.

The Guardian - Books

The information you get will always be coloured in some way.

The Guardian - Sport

Every winner was coloured in on a crossword grid in his daybook.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

B. Mitochondria false-coloured in orange; PVM false-coloured in green.

Cellular Microbiology

(A ) Electron micrographs of transversely sectioned capillaries show the astrocytic endfeet pseudo-coloured in orange.

eLife

Or a tinted, coloured-in map of the British Isles?

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing maps or diagrams, use "coloured in" to clearly indicate areas that have been visually distinguished by specific hues.

Common error

While it's natural to emphasize, avoid phrases like "very coloured in" as the intensity is often contextually understood or can be described more precisely using specific colour names or adjectives like "brightly" or "subtly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coloured in" functions as a phrasal verb, where "coloured" is the past participle of the verb "colour" and "in" is a particle. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. It often describes the action of adding colour to something, as illustrated by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "coloured in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb that describes the act of applying colour, particularly within defined boundaries. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various domains. Its prevalence in scientific and news contexts highlights its versatility. While simple, it effectively conveys visual enhancement, making it a useful addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filled in with color

This alternative directly describes the action of adding color within defined boundaries.

rendered in colour

This describes a transformation or presentation using colour.

painted

This term suggests a more comprehensive application of color, often implying artistic intent.

tinted

This suggests a lighter application of colour, modifying the existing shade.

decorated with colour

This describes making something more attractive by adding colour.

shaded

This focuses on adding gradients or shadows using colour.

pigmented

This highlights the introduction of a substance that imparts colour.

detailed with colour

This emphasizes the use of colour to provide finer points.

illustrated

This denotes that a picture or drawing has been provided with colours.

emblazoned

This suggests a prominent and often decorative use of colour.

FAQs

How can I use "coloured in" in a sentence?

You can use "coloured in" to describe something that has been filled with colour. For example: "The map was "coloured in" to show different regions".

What are some alternatives to "coloured in"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "filled in with color", "painted", or "tinted".

Is it correct to say "colored in" instead of "coloured in"?

"Colored in" is the American English spelling, while "coloured in" is the British English spelling. Both are correct, but use the one that matches your audience.

What does "coloured in" imply about the application of colour?

"Coloured in" typically implies that the colour has been applied within defined boundaries or to fill a specific area, often in a simple or basic way.