full of mischief

USAGE SUMMARY

"full of mischief" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is mischievous or playful, usually in a lighthearted way. For example: "Their toddler was full of mischief, running around and causing trouble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

She says she was always full of mischief.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Brian was talented, funny, generous, full of mischief and everyone loved him.

The Guardian

I hadn't realised these old stone hulks were so full of mischief and wit.

The Guardian - Arts

Full of mischief and malapropos, he cuts up like the low-comics of yore.

The New Yorker

He looks as if he is about to score himself – grinning, sexy, full of mischief, irrepressible.

The Guardian - Books

He turns to his dad and they look at each other, full of mischief and amazement.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

He was still curly-haired, full of lively mischief, dashing around in his red Fiat 500 and keen on theatrical news, even as cancer crept up on him.

The Guardian

Drawn by Ubbe Iwerks, one of Disney's original animators, Mickey is presented as a happy-go-lucky character full of boyish mischief.

The New York Times - Arts

But moving among them all is Dick Mills, full of avuncular mischief, always ready with a defusing joke if tensions seem to be rising.

The Guardian - Music

Two-thirds of the letters are from the age of sixteen through the early years of her marriage, before she starts going back and forth to Paris, in 1903, 1905, 1906-07, so they are girlish — full of energy, mischief, willfulness.

The New Yorker

I covered the developing story daily for the Guardian, dividing time in different Whitehall pubs between civil service union leaders and Mike, who was a marvellously undeferential, unconventional, government spokesman, full of humour, mischief and anecdotes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of mischief" to add character to descriptions, especially when portraying children, animals, or fictional characters with a playful, slightly naughty nature.

Common error

While "full of mischief" adds charm, it might be inappropriate in formal or serious contexts. Choose a more neutral adjective like "active" or "energetic" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of mischief" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its characteristic of being playfully naughty. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely used in English. The examples in Ludwig show its application in diverse contexts, from describing children to fictional characters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "full of mischief" is a common and grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to describe someone or something playfully naughty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's predominantly used in informal contexts such as news, arts, and lifestyle writing. While highly descriptive, it's crucial to consider the context, as it might not always suit formal settings. Alternatives like "mischievous", "playful", and "impish" offer similar meanings while varying in intensity and nuance. Therefore, use "full of mischief" judiciously to inject charm and character into your writing, while ensuring it aligns with the overall tone and formality of the piece.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mischievous

A single adjective that directly captures the essence of being "full of mischief".

playful

Focuses on the lighthearted and fun-loving aspect of the mischief.

impish

Highlights a more whimsical and sprite-like quality of being "full of mischief".

naughty

Emphasizes the disobedient or slightly bad behavior associated with mischief.

up to no good

An idiomatic expression suggesting that someone is planning or doing something mischievous.

prankish

Specifically relates to playing pranks or practical jokes.

teasing

Implies gentle and playful tormenting or joking.

rascally

Describes someone who is playfully dishonest or mischievous.

devilish

Indicates a bolder and possibly more malicious form of mischief.

roguish

Suggests a charming but dishonest or mischievous nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "full of mischief" to describe someone or something that is playfully naughty. For example, "The children were "full of mischief", planning pranks for April Fool's Day."

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "full of mischief"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "mischievous", "playful", or "impish".

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

While "full of mischief" is widely understood, it is generally more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives.

What's the difference between "full of mischief" and "up to no good"?

"Full of mischief" suggests a playful, often harmless naughtiness. "Up to no good", on the other hand, implies that someone is planning something more seriously wrong or troublesome.