covered in debris

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covered in debris" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe a scene that is messy and filled with scattered objects. For example: "The street was covered in debris after the storm passed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

I continued to run with my camera round my neck, covered in debris with a facemask covering me.

Huffington Post

He was dazed, slightly bloodied and covered in debris.

The New York Times

"The sea floor is covered in debris," an old fisherman says.

The Economist

"Suddenly, there was a huge bang and we were covered in debris.

Independent

When she came to, she was covered in debris, lying beside an upturned stove in the rubble of her home.

Independent

Photo: Emergency workers scrambled to free Manuel Vergara, 33, after he and his brother, Herberto, 27, were covered in debris yesterday when a construction trench caved in.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Officers arriving on Tuesday found a vault "covered in dust and debris," with the floor "strewn with discarded safety deposit boxes," Det Chf Insp Johnson said.

Independent

They described the scene that greeted officers after the police were called at 8.10 on Tuesday, arriving to a vault "covered in dust and debris," with the floor "strewn with discarded safety deposit boxes".

Independent

UN vehicles in the nearby car park were seen covered in dust and debris.

BBC

More and more people filed in from outside covered in dust; some bleeding, injured from falling debris.

Huffington Post

People were "just covered in rubble," walking through "a fog of debris," said Ian Dutton, who was in a nearby hotel.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "covered in debris", ensure the context clearly indicates the source or cause of the debris. For example, specify whether it's from a natural disaster, construction site, or accident.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions like "covered by debris" or "covered with debris" when the intended meaning is that something is entirely coated or immersed in debris. "Covered in debris" is the most idiomatic and widely accepted form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covered in debris" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (e.g., street, person, object) to indicate that it is coated or filled with scattered remnants or fragments. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "covered in debris" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something coated with scattered remnants, often in the context of destruction or disorder. Analysis reveals its prevalence in news reporting, Wikipedia and scientific writing, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings. Alternatives like "coated with rubble" or "smothered in wreckage" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and provides ample real-world examples to guide its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coated with rubble

Replaces "debris" with the more specific term "rubble", implying larger, rough fragments.

smothered in wreckage

Uses "smothered" to emphasize the extent of coverage and "wreckage" to suggest destruction.

layered with fragments

"Layered" suggests a distinct accumulation, and "fragments" implies smaller pieces.

strewn with debris

Emphasizes the scattering of debris rather than the state of being covered.

inundated with rubble

"Inundated" suggests being overwhelmed by the quantity of rubble.

littered with wreckage

"Littered" emphasizes the scattered nature of the wreckage.

buried under debris

Highlights the idea of being concealed or trapped beneath the debris.

blanketed with fragments

"Blanketed" implies a uniform and extensive covering.

dusty with debris

Focuses on the fine particles of debris creating a dusty layer.

beset by debris

"Beset" implies being troubled or afflicted by the debris.

FAQs

How can I use "covered in debris" in a sentence?

You can use "covered in debris" to describe something that has a layer of scattered material on it. For example, "After the explosion, the street was completely "covered in debris"."

What are some alternatives to saying "covered in debris"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "coated with rubble", "smothered in wreckage", or "strewn with debris".

Is it more accurate to say "covered with debris" or "covered in debris"?

While both phrases are understandable, "covered in debris" is the more common and idiomatic expression.

What's the difference between "covered in debris" and "littered with debris"?

"Covered in debris" suggests a more complete coating, while "littered with debris" implies that the debris is scattered around but doesn't necessarily cover the entire surface.