flush against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flush against" is a legitimate and commonly used phrase in both spoken and written English.
The phrase simply means to fit snugly against something without any gaps. It can be used to describe the physical arrangement of two objects near each other. Here is an example sentence: The wall was flush against the corner of the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is even a painting hung flush against the ceiling.

The New Yorker

He held the same rack flush against the side of the case.

The New York Times

Her head is in her lap, her right cheek is flush against her stomach.

The New Yorker

Then place the panel so the cut edge lies flush against the wall.

The New York Times

The adjusted foul lines will be almost flush against the left- and right-field corners.

The New York Times - Sports

In that format, lines don't all end flush against the right margin.

The New York Times

The Kensington's counterpart room has a 90 degree entrance which opens flush against a 90 degree wall.

Harvard University

His business was headquartered on the top floor of a converted warehouse building, flush against the Manhattan Bridge.

The New York Times - Magazine

It lays way too flush against the actual top of the device itself, making it very hard to click.

TechCrunch

Good idea that's much appreciated, but I'd like to see something a little more flush against the wall.

TechCrunch

Staking and riffing holds it flush against the cement steps.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flush against" to clearly describe the positioning of two objects making contact. For instance, when installing trim, ensure it sits "flush against" the wall for a seamless look.

Common error

While "flush against" is appropriate for describing contact, avoid using it when a simple "against" or "next to" suffices. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flush against" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the manner in which two surfaces or objects are in direct contact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a state of being perfectly aligned without gaps. This contrasts with merely being "against" something, where a precise fit isn't necessarily implied.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

45%

News & Media

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "flush against" is a common prepositional phrase used to describe a precise and even contact between two surfaces or objects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase adheres to standard grammar rules. It appears frequently in Wiki, News & Media and Science contexts. While generally neutral in register, writers should be mindful of overusing it in contexts where simpler terms like "against" suffice. Consider alternative phrases like "abutting" or "tight against" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tight against

Emphasizes the small space between the objects.

abutting

Implies a direct physical contact and boundary.

directly bordering

Focuses on immediate adjacency with a shared border.

adjoining

Focuses on the sharing of a common boundary or edge.

snugly fitted to

Implies a perfect, comfortable fit.

in contact with

Emphasizes the state of physical interaction.

firmly pressed to

Highlights the application of pressure between the objects.

resting on

Suggests one object is supported by another.

closely aligned with

Highlights the precise arrangement of two objects.

square against

Indicates a right-angled or perpendicular alignment.

FAQs

How can I use "flush against" in a sentence?

The phrase "flush against" describes something fitting snugly and evenly against a surface. For example, "The shelf should be mounted "flush against" the wall."

What's the difference between "flush against" and "against"?

"Against" simply means in contact with. "Flush against" implies a more precise fit, with no gaps or protrusions. The surface has to be perfectly "tight against" the surface. For example, you would use "flush against" when describing a door fitting perfectly into its frame.

Is there a more formal way to say "flush against"?

While "flush against" is acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives might include "abutting", "adjoining", or "in direct contact with". The perfect usage depends on the context and you would have to define the level of fitness.

When is it not appropriate to use "flush against"?

Avoid using "flush against" when describing something that is simply near or touching something else without needing a precise fit. Using "next to" or "near" might be more appropriate in those instances.