is wet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is wet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the state of an object or surface that has moisture on it. Example: "The ground is wet after the rain last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Her face is wet.

The New Yorker

"The blanket is wet".

The New York Times

It is wet.

Independent

"Her skin is wet.

The New Yorker

What is wet is susceptible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Everything is wet," she said.

The Guardian

Or that water is wet.

The Guardian - Opinion

The climate is wet, windy, and mild.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In "Blessed" the smell is wet cardboard.

The New York Times - Arts

The floor around is wet with blood.

The Guardian

"The ground is wet and slippery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the weather, use "is wet" to indicate rainy conditions or the presence of moisture in the air.

Common error

While "is wet" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "is saturated" or "is waterlogged" in formal or scientific writing to convey a specific degree of wetness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is wet" is as a predicate adjective. It describes the state or condition of a noun or pronoun. Ludwig examples show it attributing this state to a variety of subjects, such as "hair", "ground", "floor", "skin" or "snow".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Vice

7%

Huffington Post

5%

The Guardian - Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is wet" functions as a predicate adjective, primarily used to describe the state of something being covered or saturated with liquid. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in neutral contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally appropriate, consider more specific alternatives in formal writing. Remember to avoid overusing it and maintain clarity in your descriptions. Other options include phrases like "is damp", "is moist", and "is soaked" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is damp

Suggests a slight degree of wetness, less intense than "is wet".

is moist

Implies a slight and pleasant wetness, often used for food or skin.

is soaked

Indicates a high degree of wetness, suggesting complete saturation.

is saturated

Similar to "is soaked", implying a complete absorption of liquid.

is waterlogged

Specifically refers to being excessively filled or saturated with water.

is drenched

Suggests being thoroughly wet, often from rain or being splashed.

is covered in water

More descriptive, explicitly stating the presence of water on the surface.

has moisture

Focuses on the presence of moisture rather than the state of being wet.

retains water

Implies that the item or surface is holding water.

is watery

Suggests that something contains too much water.

FAQs

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

You can use "is wet" to describe something covered or saturated with liquid. For example, "The sidewalk "is wet" after the rain" or "His hair "is wet" from swimming".

What are some alternatives to saying "is wet"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is damp", "is moist", or "is soaked" to describe varying degrees of wetness.

Is it more accurate to say "is wet" or "is damp"?

"Is wet" generally implies a greater degree of moisture than "is damp". Use "is wet" when something is noticeably covered in liquid, and "is damp" when it's only slightly moist.

Can "is wet" be used in a figurative sense?

While primarily used literally, "is wet" can sometimes be used figuratively to describe something ineffectual, although this usage is less common. An example could be "Don't be so "wet"".