covered with cigarette

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covered with cigarette" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to describe something that is covered in cigarette ash or smoke, but it lacks clarity and specificity. Example: "The table was covered with cigarette ash after the party."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The concrete was covered with cigarette butts.

The New York Times

"Our parks are covered with cigarette butts".

The New York Times

There were two thin cots, head to head, covered with cigarette burns.

The New Yorker

Bodies are everywhere, hands tied to feet behind their backs, and they are covered with cigarette burns, which means the person was tortured.

The New Yorker

Sprawled behind the little maple desk, whose top was covered with cigarette burns, loose cigarettes (Camels, no filter), crumpled dollar bills, pencil stubs, and other debris, he studied the work in progress.

The New Yorker

She's killing me!" C.J. (laughing): We lived downtown, across from the Benjamin Franklin Hotel, which at that point was down on its heels, with those filthy floorboards covered with cigarette butts and where they'd missed the spittoons.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Every surface is covered with silver cigarette boxes engraved with effusive messages of thanks and affection from Lazar clients, and there are enough desk fittings and clocks to stock Asprey or Tiffany.

The New Yorker

His body was covered with scars from cigarette burns and he suffered brain and kidney damage.

Unicef

From what I was told, the Paris clubs once tried to ban smoking in all rooms, but the clubs began to stink because the odor of the people wasn't getting covered up with cigarette smoke.

Vice

The floor was covered with broken concrete, empty cigarette packages and a dusty brown teddy bear, a fleeting reminder that the fighting position had once been someone's home.

The New York Times

An under-sized fourteen-year-old girl trafficked to Moscow and gang-raped at a construction site; a minor sold to a violent Albanian who pimped her from country to country and left her covered with knife scars and cigarette burns.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a surface affected by cigarettes, specify what you mean: "covered in cigarette ash" or "littered with cigarette butts" provides greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "covered with cigarette" without specifying whether you mean ash, butts, or smoke. This ensures your meaning is clear and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covered with cigarette" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to depict a surface or object affected by cigarette residue or damage. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase lacks precision and is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. Better options are “covered in cigarette ash” or “littered with cigarette butts”.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "covered with cigarette" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically questionable and lacking precision. To enhance clarity, replace it with alternatives like "covered in cigarette ash" or "littered with cigarette butts". These alternatives provide a clearer image and improve the overall quality of your writing. Be mindful of the context and select the phrase that best describes the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

covered in cigarette ash

Focuses on the residue left by cigarettes, specifying the substance.

covered with cigarette butts

Specifically describes being covered by discarded cigarette ends.

stained with cigarette smoke

Indicates discoloration or marking caused by cigarette smoke.

littered with cigarette ends

Describes a surface scattered with discarded cigarette remnants.

coated in cigarette residue

Implies a layer of fine particles from cigarettes.

impregnated with cigarette odor

Focuses on the lingering smell of cigarettes.

infused with cigarette aroma

Similar to 'odor' but potentially suggesting a more subtle or pervasive scent.

reeking of cigarettes

Conveys a strong and unpleasant smell of cigarettes.

filled with cigarette smoke

Describes an atmosphere saturated with smoke.

suffused with cigarette scent

Suggests a gentle permeation of cigarette smell.

FAQs

What's a more precise way to describe something "covered with cigarette" residue?

Instead of "covered with cigarette", consider using phrases like "covered in cigarette ash", "littered with cigarette butts", or "stained with cigarette smoke" for better clarity.

How can I describe a room filled with the smell of cigarettes?

Instead of saying a room is "covered with cigarette" smell, you can say it is "thick with cigarette smoke" or that it "reeks of cigarettes".

Is "covered with cigarette" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "covered with cigarette" isn't standard English. Ludwig AI suggests it's better to specify what aspect of the cigarette is doing the covering, such as ash or butts.

What are some alternatives to describe items damaged by cigarettes?

For items damaged by cigarettes, use phrases like "marked with cigarette burns", "stained with cigarette smoke", or "covered in cigarette ash".