filled with papers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filled with papers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a space or container that has a large number of papers inside it. Example: "The desk was cluttered and filled with papers, making it hard to find the important documents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

He opened a Manila folder filled with papers.

The New York Times - Magazine

All I took was a lonely cardboard box filled with papers, Tupperware and office supplies.

The New York Times

Page B8.] Room after room was filled with papers, formulas and maps, some partially burned, some with handwritten Arabic notations.

The New York Times

The upstairs rooms were filled with papers, as well as an unread copy of Martin Amis's The Information.

The Guardian

She never signs autographs, and travels everywhere with one small grip, mostly filled with papers and books.

The Guardian

When Castle called on her, she rose from her seat, clutching a ziplock bag filled with papers and a miniature American flag.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Half of that space is filled with paper.

The New York Times

Gregory's bedroom is filled with paper; it contains at least a ton of paper.

The New Yorker

"Oh, and over here," she shouted, holding up a ceramic vase filled with paper roses.

The New York Times

There's a drawer filled with paper clips, a ruler, pencils, a stapler and stationery.

The New York Times - Travel

The fortieth floor is no place for you, Mary, With skies filled with paper and ash in the air.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical space, be specific about what kind of papers are present (e.g., "filled with legal documents", "filled with handwritten notes") to add clarity and detail.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions like "the room was filled with papers". Opt for active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging (e.g., "papers filled the room").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled with papers" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate its contents. Examples from Ludwig show this usage across various contexts, reinforcing its role in providing descriptive detail. It characterizes the state of a space or container.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "filled with papers" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a space or container containing many papers. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its formality can be adjusted depending on the specific vocabulary used in conjunction. When writing, it's beneficial to be specific about the type of papers involved to enhance clarity. Alternative phrases like "overflowing with paperwork" or "laden with reports" can add nuance, but the core meaning remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overflowing with paperwork

Focuses on the abundance of paperwork, implying it exceeds capacity.

crammed with notes

Emphasizes the disorganized and tightly packed nature of notes.

awash in documents

Replaces 'filled' with a more dramatic term, emphasizing being overwhelmed by documents.

inundated with forms

Implies a flood of forms that must be processed.

teeming with files

Emphasizes the quantity and variety of files, suggesting a dynamic abundance.

laden with reports

Suggests the papers are heavy or burdensome, emphasizing their content as reports.

saturated with records

Implies thoroughness and completeness in the abundance of records.

buried under manuscripts

Suggests being overwhelmed and concealed by a large volume of manuscripts.

replete with documentation

Uses a more formal term to indicate a complete and extensive collection of documents.

stacked high with correspondence

Specific to letters and other written communication; emphasizes the height of the stacks.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "filled with papers" to sound more formal?

You could use phrases such as "replete with documentation", "saturated with records", or "laden with reports" to convey a more formal tone. These alternatives, like "replete with documentation", often suggest a higher degree of completeness or importance.

What are some informal alternatives to "filled with papers"?

Informally, you might say something is "crammed with notes" or "overflowing with paperwork". These options, like "crammed with notes", suggest a more casual and perhaps disorganized situation.

How does "filled with papers" differ from "covered in papers"?

"Filled with papers" implies that the papers occupy a significant volume within a container or space. "Covered in papers", on the other hand, suggests that papers are spread across a surface, perhaps obscuring what lies beneath. The difference lies in the extent and the degree of immersion, also depending on the specific case.

Is it better to say "filled with paper" or "filled with papers"?

While "filled with paper" is grammatically correct and can refer to a generalized mass of paper, "filled with papers" is more commonly used when referring to multiple individual documents or sheets of paper. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the material itself or individual documents.