is pretty full

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is pretty full" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has little or no space left, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The parking lot is pretty full, so we might have to park on the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

My carry-on bag is pretty full".

The New York Times

"Our pipeline is pretty full right now".

The New York Times

"Our calendar is pretty full," he said.

The Guardian

"My calendar is pretty full," he said, sounding pleased.

The New York Times

My plate is pretty full, and I have a lot of energy.

The New York Times - Arts

"She is a trade union layperson but her career is pretty full on too.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Much as I love her (and she really is the apple of my eye) she is pretty full-on at the moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My days are pretty full".

Independent

"And NASA was pretty full of us, too".

The New Yorker

"We were pretty full of ourselves," Steltzner told me.

The New Yorker

"It just seemed like the whole region was pretty full".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is pretty full" to convey a sense of near-capacity without sounding overly formal or technical. It's suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "is pretty full" in highly formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional language to maintain a serious tone. Alternatives like "is nearly complete" or "is substantially occupied" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is pretty full" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, it indicates that something is near its maximum capacity or extensively occupied. This phrase commonly modifies nouns, providing information about their state of fullness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is pretty full" is a common and generally accepted way to describe something that is nearly or completely occupied. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, suitable for various contexts, although it may be perceived as informal in highly professional or academic settings. For more formal situations, consider using alternatives like "is nearly complete" or "is substantially occupied". The phrase is widely used in news and media, reflecting its broad applicability in conveying a state of near-capacity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is nearly complete

Emphasizes nearing a state of completion, focusing on progress towards being full.

is almost at capacity

Highlights the nearness to maximum capacity, often used for physical spaces or systems.

is substantially occupied

A more formal way to express that a significant portion is taken up.

is close to overflowing

Suggests being so full that it's on the verge of exceeding its limits.

is packed quite tightly

Focuses on the density of the contents, emphasizing how closely things are placed together.

is reasonably loaded

Indicates a considerable amount of contents without necessarily implying complete fullness.

is comfortably filled

Suggests a pleasant state of fullness, avoiding any sense of being overly crowded.

is adequately stocked

Focuses on having sufficient supplies or items, implying fullness in terms of resources.

is generally busy

Shifts the focus to activity and busyness, implying that something is full of activity or people.

is fairly brimming

Highlights a state of abundance and overflowing, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is pretty full"?

When something "is pretty full", it means that it is nearly or completely occupied. This can refer to physical spaces like a room or container, or abstract concepts like a schedule or workload. The term implies a state of being close to maximum capacity.

What can I say instead of "is pretty full"?

You can use alternatives like "is nearly complete", "is almost at capacity", or "is substantially occupied" depending on the context.

Is "is pretty full" too informal for professional writing?

While the phrase "is pretty full" is widely understood, it can be considered informal for professional writing. In such contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "is nearly complete" or "is substantially occupied".

How can I use "is pretty full" in a sentence?

You can use "is pretty full" to describe a variety of situations. For example, "The parking lot is pretty full, so we might have to park on the street", or "My schedule is pretty full this week, but I can squeeze you in next Tuesday".