is laced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is laced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is infused or mixed with another substance, often implying a negative connotation, such as being tainted or contaminated. Example: "The cake is laced with a hint of almond extract, giving it a unique flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The beach is laced with mines.

The Economist

But the system is laced with corruption.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her tale is laced with regrets.

The New Yorker

The piety of Almendárez's show is laced with mild raunchiness.

The New Yorker

N.H.L. playoff history is laced with unlikely heroes like Orpik.

The New York Times

His corporate lingo is laced with sports metaphors and analogies.

The New York Times

Grief is laced with self-loathing and remorse.

The Economist

Benjamin's story is laced with the sexual frustration of youth.

The Guardian - Books

But one of them is laced with poison.

The New Yorker

That air is laced with lethal hydrogen cyanide.

The Guardian

(Fittingly, the episode is laced with strains from "La Bohème").

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is laced", consider the connotation. It often implies something negative or undesirable being mixed in. Choose a more neutral term like "infused" or "mixed" if the addition is positive or benign.

Common error

Avoid using "is laced" when describing positive attributes. While grammatically correct, it can create a jarring effect. Instead of saying "the music is laced with joy", opt for "filled with joy" or "imbued with joy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is laced" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something has been subtly or thoroughly mixed with or infused with something else. Ludwig examples show its use in describing tangible items like food, drinks or textiles, as well as intangible concepts such as stories or emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is laced" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express that something has been subtly or thoroughly mixed with or infused with something else. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage. While often implying a negative connotation or an unexpected twist, "is laced" can also be used neutrally. Consider the context and choose your wording carefully to avoid unintended implications. Alternatives include "is infused with" or "is mixed with", as necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is infused with

Emphasizes a gentle permeation or introduction of one element into another.

is mixed with

Highlights a combination of elements, often implying a less subtle integration.

is permeated by

Focuses on the pervasive spread of something throughout a medium.

is tinged with

Suggests a subtle coloring or influence, often emotional or atmospheric.

is spiked with

Implies a sharp, often unexpected addition, potentially negative.

is imbued with

Indicates a deep, pervasive saturation with a quality or characteristic.

is saturated with

Emphasizes a complete and thorough permeation.

contains traces of

Suggests a minimal presence of a substance.

exhibits elements of

Highlights the presence of specific features or components.

is interwoven with

Focuses on the entanglement and interconnectedness of elements.

FAQs

How can I use "is laced" in a sentence?

The phrase "is laced" is used to indicate that something is mixed or infused with something else, often implying a subtle but significant addition. For example, "The tea "is laced with honey"" or "The plot "is laced with suspense"".

What are some synonyms for "is laced"?

Alternatives to "is laced" include "is infused with", "is mixed with", or "is tinged with", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is laced" instead of "contains"?

"Is laced" suggests a subtle or unexpected mixing, often with a negative or enhancing connotation, while "contains" is a more neutral statement of inclusion. For example, "The drink "is laced with poison"" implies a deliberate and harmful addition, whereas "The drink contains sugar" is a simple statement of ingredients.

Is "is laced" always negative?

While "is laced" often carries a negative connotation, such as "is laced with danger" or "is laced with corruption", it can also be used in a neutral or even positive sense, though less commonly. For instance, "The fabric "is laced with gold thread"".