covered in mud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covered in mud" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has been soiled or coated with mud, often after an activity like playing outside or during a rainstorm. Example: "After the heavy rain, the children came back from the playground completely covered in mud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His clothes were covered in mud.

The New York Times

My clothes would get covered in mud.

The Guardian

"His arms were all covered in mud.

The New York Times

I know I was covered in mud.

The Guardian - Books

The street was covered in mud.

The New York Times

They were both covered in mud.

The New Yorker

Covered in mud, soaking wet and shattered, I return home.

Independent

I don't know if it works, it's covered in mud".

The Guardian

Another morning, he woke up covered in mud.

The New York Times - Sports

He showed me a Doraemon book covered in mud.

The Guardian

The crowd, meanwhile, are covered in mud and face paint.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene or character, use "covered in mud" to vividly illustrate the environment's conditions or the character's activities. For instance, "The soldiers, weary and battered, were covered in mud from the trenches."

Common error

While "covered in mud" is descriptive, avoid using it repetitively in a short span. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "caked in mud" or "smeared with mud" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covered in mud" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is coated or soiled with mud. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The phrase serves to provide detail about the appearance or condition of the subject, as seen in examples like "His clothes were covered in mud" or "The street was covered in mud."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "covered in mud" is a grammatically correct and very common adjective phrase used to describe something coated or soiled with mud. Ludwig AI validates its use across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business settings. While versatile, avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "smeared with mud" or "caked in mud" to maintain engagement. Its neutral register allows for use in both formal and informal communication, conveying a sense of dirtiness or activity in a muddy environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smeared with mud

Focuses more on the action of applying the mud rather than the state of being covered.

coated with mud

Emphasizes a layer of mud covering the surface.

caked in mud

Suggests a thicker, dried layer of mud.

plastered with mud

Implies a heavy, messy covering of mud.

covered with grime

Uses a more general term for dirt and filth, not specifically mud.

daubed with mud

Similar to plastered, but can also mean intentionally applied.

muddied

A single word expressing the state of being covered in mud.

besmirched with mud

More formal and literary; implies staining or dishonoring.

fouled with mud

Suggests that the mud is particularly dirty or unpleasant.

soiled with mud

A simple and direct way to describe something dirtied by mud.

FAQs

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

You can use "covered in mud" to describe someone or something that has been soiled or coated with mud, often after an activity or due to environmental conditions. For example, "The children returned from the park completely covered in mud".

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

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

Is it correct to say "covered by mud" instead of "covered in mud"?

While "covered by mud" isn't incorrect, "covered in mud" is more common and idiomatic. "Covered by mud" might suggest the mud is actively concealing something, whereas "covered in mud" simply describes the state of being coated.

What does it mean when something is described as "covered in mud"?

It typically means that something is dirty, messy, or has been exposed to the elements. It can also imply activity or work in a muddy environment.