covered in ivy

USAGE SUMMARY

"covered in ivy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely or partially covered with ivy, a type of climbing plant with green leaves. It can also be used in a metaphorical sense to describe something that is heavily influenced or surrounded by something else. Example: "The old castle, covered in ivy, stood tall and imposing against the grey sky." "The small town was charming, with its quaint houses covered in ivy and its streets lined with colorful trees." "His mind was covered in ivy, each thought tangled and intertwined with memories of her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Some walls are covered in ivy.

The Economist

The hotel balconies were covered in ivy.

The Guardian - Books

Our building is covered in ivy but there are screens in the windows.

The New York Times

Step into it and, from a window, you will see a Martello tower now entirely covered in ivy.

The Guardian - Arts

A crazy winter king, 20ft tall, covered in ivy and holly, graces the Princess of Wales Conservatory, while children are engaged by jugglers posing riddles and twisting rainbow diabolos.

Independent

In an 18th-century English garden, one might spy a pyramid or broken pillars covered in ivy, a concoction dreamed up and built for the amusement of the house's owners.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

There is the icon — the remaining 230-foot-long, 12-foot-tall, red-brick wall section covered in green ivy.

The New York Times

Short, uniform red-brick buildings, covered in lush ivy, stand in neat rows perpendicular to a quiet leafy street.

The Guardian - Opinion

And he mowed them faithfully, so friends and family could walk the grassy paths without tearing their legs on thorns or going home covered in poison ivy.

The New York Times

When someone backs up the claim that he owns a summer cottage with a picture of himself standing outside of it with his supermodel fiancée, who helped him realize that there's more to life than just making a lot of money: Um, did they tell you that it was covered in poison ivy before you bought it?

The New Yorker

But I tend to avoid those as if they're covered in poison ivy.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a structure or object "covered in ivy", consider the specific effect you want to convey. Use stronger verbs like "smothered" or "draped" to add nuance to your description.

Common error

While "covered in ivy" is grammatically sound, avoid repetitive use in close proximity. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like "ivy-clad" or "overgrown with ivy" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covered in ivy" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun. It indicates that something is adorned or overgrown with ivy, often conveying a sense of age or picturesque beauty. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples from diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

21%

Huffington Post

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science & Research

5%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "covered in ivy" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something overgrown or adorned with ivy. Ludwig's analysis reveals it functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, often evoking a sense of age or picturesque beauty. The phrase is prevalent in news media and general writing, making it appropriate for various contexts. While alternatives like "ivy-clad" offer more concise options, "covered in ivy" remains a versatile and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ivy-clad

This is a more concise, adjectival way to say something is covered in ivy.

overgrown with ivy

Emphasizes the extent of the ivy's growth.

draped in ivy

Suggests a more elegant or decorative covering of ivy.

mantled in ivy

Implies a complete and enveloping covering, like a cloak.

smothered in ivy

Highlights the dense and possibly overwhelming nature of the ivy.

festooned with ivy

Suggests that the ivy is arranged in a decorative or celebratory manner.

adorned with ivy

Focuses on the decorative aspect of the ivy.

enveloped in ivy

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the ivy cover.

graced with ivy

Implies that the ivy adds beauty and charm.

wrapped in ivy

Suggests a snug or encompassing covering.

FAQs

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

You can use "covered in ivy" to describe something that has ivy growing on its surface, such as "The old stone walls were covered in ivy".

What can I say instead of "covered in ivy"?

Alternatives include "ivy-clad", "overgrown with ivy", or "draped in ivy", depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "covered in ivy" in formal writing?

Yes, "covered in ivy" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, consider using "ivy-clad" for a more concise expression.

What is the effect of using "covered in ivy" in a description?

Using "covered in ivy" often evokes a sense of age, history, or natural beauty, suggesting something that has been standing for a long time and become integrated with its environment.