covered with ashes

USAGE SUMMARY

"covered with ashes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that has been covered in ashes, such as after a fire or eruption. For example, "The town was left covered with ashes after the nearby volcano eruption."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

His clothes were covered with ashes and soot from the chimney.

The New Yorker

When 3,000 people disappeared into smoke, and survivors wandered in Lower Manhattan covered with ashes.

The New York Times - Science

Much of all that we had lived with -- inside and outside -- was covered with ashes and debris.

The New York Times

It's Waiting for Brodot, and the best part is watching the impossibly likable Rudd bear down, trying to make Alvin more than just a guy covered with ashes going down an endless road.

The Guardian - Film

But Mr Lee and David Benioff who wrote both the novel and the screenplay have set "25th Hour" in the period immediately after the attack, and the cinematographer, Rodrigo Prieto, has filmed New York in bleached colours to suggest a city covered with ashes.

The Economist

At heights of more than 6,500 feet (1,980 metres), the mountain is covered with ashes, sand, and fragments of lava and slag; there are a few scattered plants such as Astragalus aetnensis (local name: spino santo), which forms typical bushes almost 1 yard (about 0.9 metre) high, while some alpine plants manage to survive even near the top.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Everyone was covered with ash".

The New York Times

"Everything was covered with ash and debris.

The New York Times

Choking and covered with ash, he bargained with God.

The New York Times - Style

The streets and trees of Mexico covered with ash.

The New York Times - Books

Just south of City Hall everything was covered with ash.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene after a fire or volcanic eruption, use "covered with ashes" to vividly illustrate the extent of the damage and the pervasive presence of residue.

Common error

Remember that "ashes" is the plural form and is typically used when referring to a widespread covering. Using "ash" instead of "ashes" can sometimes sound unnatural in this context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covered with ashes" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun by specifying its state of being coated in ash. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in depicting scenes after events like fires or volcanic eruptions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "covered with ashes" is a grammatically sound and descriptively powerful way to depict a scene or object affected by ash, typically from a fire or volcanic event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While not exceptionally common, the phrase is frequently encountered in news and media contexts. Remember to use "ashes" (plural) when referring to a general covering. Alternatives like "dusted with ash" or "coated in ash" offer subtle variations in meaning. Be creative when writing and rely on similar examples from Ludwig to inspire you and for a higher understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coated in ash

This alternative emphasizes a more uniform and enveloping layer.

blanketed by ash

This suggests a broad, all-encompassing covering.

dusted with ash

This alternative implies a lighter coating compared to the original phrase.

smothered in ash

This suggests a thicker, more overwhelming covering of ash.

layered with ash

This suggests that the ash is present in strata or layers.

strewn with ash

This suggests that the ash is scattered unevenly, rather than covering completely.

covered in cinders

Cinders are partially burnt material, so this suggests something similar but subtly different than ash.

mantled in ash

Implies that something is covered as if with a cloak or mantle.

topped with ash

This suggests that the ash is on the upper surface of something.

laden with ash

Suggests something is burdened or weighed down by the ash.

FAQs

How can I use "covered with ashes" in a sentence?

You can use "covered with ashes" to describe a surface or object that has a layer of ash on it, such as "The city was "covered with ashes" after the volcanic eruption".

What's a more descriptive alternative to "covered with ashes"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "dusted with ash" or "coated in ash" may provide a more nuanced description.

Is it more appropriate to say "covered with ash" or "covered with ashes"?

While both are grammatically acceptable, "covered with ashes" is generally preferred when referring to a widespread covering of ash resulting from a significant event like a fire or volcanic eruption. "Covered with ash" is acceptable, but less common in those contexts.

Can "covered with ashes" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "covered with ashes" can be used metaphorically to describe something that has been ruined or devastated, similar to phrases like "reduced to rubble".