covered with bruises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covered with bruises" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has multiple bruises on their body or surface, often as a result of injury or impact. Example: "After the intense match, the player was covered with bruises, a testament to the fierce competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

I was covered with bruises and scars.

The New Yorker

She stared at a woman covered with bruises.

The New York Times

He was covered with bruises and his jaw was broken.

The Guardian

Most of the prisoners were half-naked and covered with bruises.

The New Yorker

I bruise really easily, so when I come off the field I'll be covered with bruises.

The New York Times - Style

She is covered with bruises and one of her eyes is swollen up.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

His throat had been slashed, and his arms and hands were covered with scrapes, bruises and cuts.

The New York Times

Hopper rises every morning aware of what happened on the last, and still covered with the bruises and wounds he acquired along the way.

The New York Times - Arts

At her death, she weighed only 36 pounds — normal for a 4-year-old — and her body was covered with gashes, bruises, scabs and scars — some fresh, some weeks old.

The New York Times

The young man's face was covered with fresh-looking bruises.

The New Yorker

She was covered with plum-size bruises, as if she were being beaten from the inside.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "covered with bruises" to vividly describe the physical state of someone or something that has sustained multiple impacts or injuries. This phrase is effective for conveying the extent and severity of physical trauma.

Common error

Avoid using "covered with bruises" gratuitously in contexts where the level of detail is unnecessary or melodramatic. Overusing such vivid language can detract from the overall impact and make the writing seem exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covered with bruises" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate that the subject has numerous bruises. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's an acceptable descriptor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "covered with bruises" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to vividly describe a state of physical trauma. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid expression. Analysis of its usage reveals that it frequently appears in news and media, as well as in academic contexts, to emphasize the extent and impact of injuries. While direct, it generally maintains a neutral register, though overuse in overly dramatic writing should be avoided. Alternatives include "bruised all over" and "marked with bruises", offering subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bruised all over

Focuses on the extent of bruising across the entire body.

marked with bruises

Emphasizes the presence of bruise marks without necessarily implying full coverage.

bearing bruises

Formal way to indicate the presence of bruises, often due to an impact.

lacerated and bruised

Highlights both cuts (lacerations) and bruises, specifying injury types.

black and blue

Idiomatic expression indicating extensive bruising and discoloration.

visibly bruised

Focuses on bruises being apparent and easily noticeable.

badly bruised

Indicates the severity and painfulness of the bruises.

contused

A medical term for bruised, often used in a clinical or formal context.

suffering contusions

Implies a medical condition involving several bruises, often from trauma.

showing signs of trauma

A broader phrase indicating any type of injury from a traumatic event, which could include bruises.

FAQs

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

You can use "covered with bruises" to describe someone who has many bruises on their body, often as a result of an accident, fight, or medical condition. For example: "After the fall, she was "covered with bruises"."

What are some alternatives to "covered with bruises"?

Alternatives include "bruised all over", "marked with bruises", or "black and blue". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "covered with bruises" in formal writing?

While "covered with bruises" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "bearing bruises" or "suffering contusions" might be preferable in academic or professional contexts.

What does "covered with bruises" imply about the situation?

"Covered with bruises" typically implies that the person or object has experienced significant physical trauma or impact, often suggesting a violent or accidental event.