covered in grime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covered in grime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is dirty or has accumulated a layer of dirt or filth. Example: "After weeks of neglect, the old bicycle was covered in grime, making it look unrideable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

A survivor covered in grime sipping from a bottle of water in a daze.

Independent

"If you hug a chimney sweep, you get covered in grime," Mr. Howard said.

The New York Times

Inside, Mr. Griffin said, the place was sparsely decorated, with little furniture, and covered in grime.

The New York Times

They are tall, stately dames in limestone dresses, or brutish concrete slabs covered in grime.

The New York Times

Mothers waited with babies in a dimly lit corridor, its floor covered in grime, the walls crumbling and stained.

The Times

They were covered in grime, but you could still make out the reds and oranges and yellows.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

My mouse is covered in filth and grime.

TechCrunch

This thing will probably be covered in filth and grime as well as – if my assumptions about who would buy this are correct – a layer of concealer so thick that it will turn vaguely tan in a few months.

TechCrunch

Clearly the vision of the future seems similar, from the cityscapes to the flying cop cars covered in dirt and grime.

Huffington Post

They are covered in city grime and subterranean funk, while your glow is entirely natural and (probably) odour free.

Independent

By the end of the night everyone's covered in floor grime and glitter and a bit naked.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "covered in grime" to vividly describe a surface or object that has accumulated a layer of dirt and is visibly unclean. This phrase adds a layer of detail that more general terms like 'dirty' might miss.

Common error

Avoid using "covered in grime" in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "soiled" or "unclean" might be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covered in grime" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun by describing its state of being coated with dirt or filth. Ludwig AI examples show it describing objects, people, and places.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "covered in grime" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that vividly describes something coated in dirt or filth. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is prevalent in news and media, with a neutral to slightly informal tone. While acceptable in a variety of contexts, it's important to consider the audience and choose more formal alternatives like "soiled" in professional settings. The usage analysis and examples provided by Ludwig offer a comprehensive understanding of its application and suitable alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caked in dirt

Emphasizes a thick layer of dried dirt.

coated in filth

Highlights the disgusting nature of the covering.

smothered in muck

Suggests a heavy, wet covering.

layered with soot

Specifically indicates a covering of black carbon particles.

streaked with dirt

Describes dirt forming lines or streaks on a surface.

encrusted with residue

Highlights a hardened layer of accumulated material.

plastered with gunk

Suggests a sticky, unpleasant covering.

daubed in sludge

Implies a thick, slimy covering.

smeared with filth

Focuses on the act of spreading dirt.

fouled with dirt

Highlights the contamination aspect of the dirt.

FAQs

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

You can use "covered in grime" to describe anything that has a layer of dirt or filth on it. For example: "The old tools were "covered in grime" after years of neglect."

What's a less informal alternative to "covered in grime"?

If you need a less informal phrase, consider using alternatives such as "coated in dirt" or "soiled with grime", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "covered in grime" and "filthy"?

"Filthy" is a more general term for something very dirty. "Covered in grime" specifies that there's a layer of dirt or filth, offering a more descriptive image. You might say "The floor was filthy" or "The floor was "covered in grime"."

Is "covered in grime" suitable for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "covered in grime" might be too informal for very formal writing. Consider alternatives like "coated in dirt" or more descriptive options, depending on the tone and audience.