is shot through

USAGE SUMMARY

"is shot through" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that has become thoroughly saturated with or permeated by a given feeling or emotion. For example: The theater was shot through with a sense of sadness as the credits rolled on the final show.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

United's defense is shot through with injuries, which means it is unusually vulnerable.

The New York Times - Sports

Something's Coming, Tony's first solo number, is shot through with fast and varied rhythms.

The Guardian

That message, however, is shot through with an ambiguous regret.

The New Yorker

Mr Wolfram's entire book is shot through with it.

The Economist

The postapocalyptic imagination is shot through with unacknowledged wish fulfillment.

The New Yorker

It is shot through and through with fear, even terror.

The New York Times

Reason, he insisted, is shot through with emotion.

The New York Times - Books

Tiffany's production is shot through with the same abivalence.

The Guardian

EWS!!, however, is shot through with warmth, humour and sensitivity.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Washington's story is shot through with dry humor.

The New York Times

It is shot through with echoes of the 1960s.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is shot through" to add depth and nuance to your writing when you want to convey that something is thoroughly permeated by a particular quality, emotion, or characteristic.

Common error

Avoid using "is shot through" in contexts where a literal interpretation (being pierced by a projectile) is possible or confusing. Ensure the context clearly indicates a metaphorical or figurative meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is shot through" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice, indicating that a subject is thoroughly permeated or influenced by something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a common and acceptable way to express that something is imbued with a particular quality or characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Books

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is shot through" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies a thorough permeation or influence of one thing by another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s effective in conveying the depth and pervasiveness of qualities, emotions, or characteristics, particularly in writing. While adaptable across contexts, it finds its home most commonly in News & Media and Book analyses. Related phrases like "is permeated with" and "is infused with" can offer nuanced alternatives. Use "is shot through" to add depth to your descriptions, ensuring the context avoids any literal misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is saturated with

Emphasizes a complete or thorough permeation.

is permeated with

Emphasizes the thorough penetration of something throughout another.

is imbued with

Highlights the filling or saturating of something with a quality or feeling.

is characterized by

Focuses on the distinct traits or qualities present.

is filled with

Indicates a state of being full or abundant with something.

is marked by

Stresses that something is noticeably affected or influenced.

is laced with

Suggests something is interwoven or subtly present throughout.

is infused with

Implies a gradual introduction or permeation of something.

is riddled with

Highlights the presence of something undesirable throughout.

is replete with

Indicates an abundance or fullness of something, often positive.

FAQs

How can I use "is shot through" in a sentence?

Use "is shot through" to describe something that's thoroughly permeated by a feeling or characteristic, such as: "The movie "is shot through with nostalgia"".

What does "is shot through" mean?

"Is shot through" means that something is thoroughly permeated or characterized by a particular quality, emotion, or element. It implies a deep and pervasive influence.

What are some alternatives to "is shot through"?

Alternatives include "is permeated with", "is infused with", or "is characterized by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is shot through" formal or informal?

"Is shot through" is suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts. While not overly technical, it is generally preferred in writing over very casual speech.