dyed blue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dyed blue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object or material that has been colored blue through a dyeing process. Example: "She wore a beautiful dress that had been dyed blue, making her stand out at the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

On the cover, her hair was dyed blue on the bottom and our readers loved it.

The New York Times

A small boy whose hair was dyed blue, the color of a Rays jersey, stepped forward.

The New Yorker

Any questions? "What inspired you to write the book?" a boy whose hair was dyed blue asked.

The New Yorker

Exodus, chapter 28, verse 15, specifies that it was to be woven of golden and linen threads dyed blue, purple, and scarlet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A look around the graffiti-lashed venue offered clues: T-shirts plastered with pixilated sharks, raised neon glow-sticks, several mops of hair dyed blue and green.

The New York Times

One woman with hair dyed blue carried around a sign, newly made, that said "Big Bad KKK: 2 Scared 2 March".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

With her thick glasses and dyed blue-gray hair (Tavi was sometimes mistaken for an outré granny), she was a petite tastemaker.

The New York Times

"I wanted to blow my brains out when I was working in management," she says now, sitting in a London hotel, hair dyed blue-black, eyes smoky, body wrapped constrictor-tight in a big black trench coat.

The Guardian - Books

Local also recently costumed the servers working the long chef's counter in tie-dyed blue and green chef's uniforms.

The New York Times - Food

Of ten dresses, Kondo selected two: a gauzy cotton dip-dyed blue tunic dress by Holding Horses in size extra-small petite, and a buttercup-yellow brocaded sheath dress by Tracy Reese in size 2. The posy dress was cute, she said, "but I do not really have to have it".

The New Yorker

They didn't take kindly to the swaggeringly independent Webster with his dyed-blue barnet.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dyed blue" when you want to emphasize the process of dyeing, as opposed to other methods of applying color.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "the fabric was dyed blue by..." unless the agent is relevant. Instead, opt for the more concise "the fabric was dyed blue".

Linguistic Context

"Dyed blue" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, describing a noun by specifying its color and the method by which it obtained that color. It modifies nouns like "hair", "fabric", "shag", "extremities", and "textile", as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dyed blue" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase to describe something that has been colored blue through a dyeing process. It's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general conversation. Ludwig's examples illustrate its application across different nouns. The register is generally neutral, making it a versatile choice for both formal and informal writing. Considering synonyms like "colored blue" can enrich your vocabulary, and remember to avoid passive constructions for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Blue-dyed

Adjective-first compound form, less common than the original phrase.

Colored blue

A more general term that includes methods other than dyeing.

Dyed in blue

Emphasizes the process of dyeing.

Blue-tinted

Implies a lighter or less intense application of color.

Tinted blue

Another way of saying a lighter colorant was applied.

Blue-stained

Suggests a less uniform application of color.

Blue-washed

Suggests a coating or thin layer of color.

Rendered blue

More formal way to describe the color change.

Given a blue dye

Highlights the act of applying dye.

Imbued with blue

More poetic and implies a deep, thorough coloring.

FAQs

How can I use "dyed blue" in a sentence?

You can use "dyed blue" to describe an object or material that has been colored blue using a dyeing process. For example: "The yarn was dyed blue for the project" or "She wore a shirt dyed blue."

What's a synonym for "dyed blue"?

Alternatives to "dyed blue" include "colored blue", "blue-tinted", or "blue-stained". The best choice depends on the context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "blue dyed" instead of "dyed blue"?

While "blue dyed" might be understood, "dyed blue" is the standard and more grammatically correct phrasing. Using "dyed blue" ensures clarity and avoids any potential ambiguity.

What kind of items are often described as "dyed blue"?

Common items described as "dyed blue" include clothing, hair, fabrics, and even food. The phrase simply indicates that the item has undergone a dyeing process to achieve a blue color.