covered in soot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covered in soot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is dirty or blackened due to soot, often from smoke or fire. Example: "After the fire was extinguished, the walls of the house were covered in soot, leaving a grim reminder of the disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The men were covered in soot.

The New Yorker

Everything seemed to be covered in soot.

The New York Times

Bearded, dressed in a dishdash, he is covered in soot.

The New York Times

Those rooms were filled with incinerated furniture and walls covered in soot.

The New York Times

"I expect to see your faces covered in soot," a pedestrian said.

The New Yorker

"Everyone's going to be walking around covered in soot!" he exclaimed.

The New Yorker

"We just saw a black figure in there covered in soot".

The New York Times

On that poster, eyes starkly staring out, she is completely covered in soot.

The Guardian

Some in business attire, some covered in soot, some carrying groceries -- hundreds of them.

The New York Times

He was covered in soot, had a chain on his foot and was wearing only underwear.

The New York Times

Dawn breaks and several grey-skinned child apprentices wake, covered in soot and coughing up phlegm, in a filthy dormitory.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene after a fire, use "covered in soot" to vividly convey the extent of the damage and the pervasive nature of the soot.

Common error

While "covered in soot" is descriptive, avoid using it excessively in a single passage. Vary your language by describing the specific textures or colors of the soot, or by focusing on the effects of the soot on different materials.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covered in soot" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is coated with soot. Ludwig and its examples show its frequent use in describing post-disaster scenarios or environments with heavy smoke or ash.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "covered in soot" is a grammatically sound and very common adjective phrase used to describe something blackened or dirtied by soot. As confirmed by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news and media contexts, vividly portraying scenes of destruction or industrial environments. Alternative phrases like "blackened with soot" or "smeared with soot" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. While effective, avoid overuse by varying your descriptions and focusing on specific details. Use "covered in soot" to enhance the imagery of your writing, particularly when describing post-disaster environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blackened with soot

Emphasizes the blackening effect of soot.

smeared with soot

Highlights the act of soot being spread or rubbed onto a surface.

coated in soot

Focuses on the layering effect of soot.

grimed with soot

Implies a deeper, more ingrained layer of soot.

dusty with soot

Suggests a lighter, more powdery covering of soot.

fouled with soot

Indicates contamination by soot.

soiled with soot

Similar to fouled, but with a slightly less intense connotation.

marked by soot

Highlights the visible marks or traces left by soot.

stained with soot

Emphasizes the lasting discoloration caused by soot.

smudged with soot

Describes a blurred or indistinct covering of soot.

FAQs

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

You can use "covered in soot" to describe anything blackened by soot, such as "After the explosion, the building was "covered in soot"."

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

Alternatives include "blackened with soot", "smeared with soot", or "coated in soot" depending on the context.

What kind of imagery does "covered in soot" evoke?

The phrase "covered in soot" often evokes images of destruction, aftermath, or labor-intensive environments like coal mines, symbolizing dirtiness and aftermath.

Is "covered in soot" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "covered in soot" is appropriate for formal writing. The phrase appears in reputable news sources and is perfectly grammatically sound. Consider the impact you desire for your message.