full of ghosts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full of ghosts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a place, memory, or situation that feels haunted or filled with memories of the past. Example: "The old mansion stood silent, full of ghosts from a time long forgotten."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So full of ghosts.

Independent

"They're full of ghosts.

The New York Times - Arts

Vienna is full of ghosts.

The Guardian

Denmark is full of ghosts.

The Guardian - Books

David Mitchell's novels are full of ghosts.

The New York Times - Books

It's a bad place, full of ghosts".

The Guardian - Travel

Bloody silent zone is full of ghosts".

The Guardian - Travel

"Cover Boy" itself is full of ghosts, of feints toward things that are never fully revealed.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Others say Germany should act quickly to ensure it does not become full of ghost towns.

The Guardian

All across Connecticut, actually, there are inns, restaurants and museums full of ghost stories.

The New York Times

This is a novel about, and also full of, ghost-signs, or signs that may not be signs, and about the difficulty of telling the difference.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "full of ghosts", consider whether you intend a literal or figurative meaning. For literal ghosts, ensure the context supports a supernatural interpretation. For figurative uses, make sure the connection to past events or memories is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "full of ghosts" in overly predictable situations, such as describing an old house without adding a unique or insightful perspective. Aim for originality to keep your writing fresh.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of ghosts" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun, describing it as possessing a quality of being haunted or filled with lingering presences, whether literal spirits or figurative representations of the past. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Books

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "full of ghosts" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something haunted by past events or literal spirits. As stated by Ludwig, it’s widely employed across various forms of media and literature to create an atmosphere of melancholy or nostalgia. While adaptable, it's generally most fitting for creative or descriptive writing and should be used with consideration for overused clichés. Ensure the context clearly communicates the intended meaning, whether literal or figurative. The top authoritative sources are The Guardian, The New York Times, Vice, Los Angeles Times and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

haunted by specters

Replaces "full of ghosts" with a more explicitly supernatural connotation using "specters".

filled with phantoms

Substitutes "ghosts" with "phantoms", emphasizing ethereal and elusive presences.

haunted by memories

Shifts the focus from literal ghosts to the haunting presence of past memories.

inhabited by spirits of the past

Directly refers to spirits residing in a place or memory.

filled with echoes of the past

Replaces "ghosts" with "echoes of the past", highlighting the lingering effects of historical events or experiences.

carrying the weight of history

Emphasizes the burden and impact of past events, akin to being haunted.

replete with apparitions

Uses a more formal and literary term, "apparitions", for ghosts.

bearing the imprint of bygone eras

Suggests that the subject is marked by the passage of time and past events.

suffused with a spectral presence

Emphasizes the pervasive and ghostly atmosphere.

overwhelmed by legacies

Highlights that a person/place is affected negatively by the events of the past.

FAQs

How can I use "full of ghosts" in a sentence?

You can use "full of ghosts" to describe places, memories, or situations that are haunted or filled with reminders of the past. For example: "The old theater was "full of ghosts", each seat holding a memory of past performances."

What are some alternatives to "full of ghosts"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "haunted by memories", "filled with phantoms", or "replete with apparitions".

Is it appropriate to use "full of ghosts" in formal writing?

While "full of ghosts" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for creative or descriptive writing. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "bearing the imprint of bygone eras" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

What does it mean when someone says a place is "full of ghosts"?

It typically means the place has a strong sense of history or is haunted by past events, often creating a melancholic or eerie atmosphere. The "ghosts" can be literal spirits or figurative representations of the past.