it is overflowing with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is overflowing with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is filled to capacity or excessively abundant in a particular quality or item. Example: "The garden is overflowing with vibrant flowers in every color imaginable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Contemporary American literature is heavily populated with victims; it is overflowing with outrage.

The New York Times - Books

It is overflowing with sets of matching wicker loveseats, tables and chairs, natural and painted.

The New York Times - Arts

That gives the N.H.L. something else to think about on a day when it is overflowing with decisions on Sunday's miscreants.

The New York Times

It is overflowing with old furniture and with books that she brings upstairs to read — there were three translations of Dostoyevsky's "The Possessed" by her bed when she started rehearsing "Hamlet" — and always, in the end, returns.

The New Yorker

Where large-scale Australian exhibitions of international art have traditionally had a Eurocentric focus, the APT presents another worldview, one that is inclusive in both scope and philosophy, and it is overflowing with colour and movement.

The Guardian - Arts

It is overflowing with old furniture and with books that she brings upstairs to read there were three translations of Dostoyevsky's "The Possessed" by her bed when she started rehearsing "Hamlet"—and always, in the end, returns.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"But it was overflowing with patients, and there weren't enough doctors".

The Guardian

One Saturday last April, it was overflowing with fruit, tulips, herbs and those prize heralds of spring, morels and asparagus, to say nothing of eager customers.

The New York Times - Travel

Befitting the only media event of Tyson's week in the Memphis area, it was overflowing with television minicams, hangers-on and reporters.

The New York Times - Sports

The Premiership is competitive, but I wouldn't say it's overflowing with world-class players just yet.

BBC

The small detention centre on the island was designed to provide temporary accommodation for 850 migrants, but by early March it was overflowing with over 2,000.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is overflowing with" to vividly depict abundance, but ensure the context supports the imagery of something exceeding its capacity. For instance, "The museum is overflowing with artifacts" works well because a museum can conceptually be 'filled' with items.

Common error

Avoid using "it is overflowing with" in contexts where the imagery of 'overflowing' doesn't quite fit. For example, saying "The essay is overflowing with ideas" might be less effective than "The essay is rich in ideas" if the concern is complexity rather than sheer quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is overflowing with" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its state of abundance. It suggests that the noun is filled beyond its capacity with something, whether tangible or intangible, as illustrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is overflowing with" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe something that is exceedingly full or abundant. Ludwig AI validates this, showing its frequent use across news media and other sources. While versatile, it's important to use it in contexts where the imagery of 'overflowing' is appropriate and to avoid overuse that diminishes its impact. Consider alternatives like "it is brimming with" or "it is abundant in" for nuanced expressions of abundance. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is brimming with

Uses "brimming" to suggest fullness to the point of almost overflowing.

it is bursting with

Similar to brimming, but with a stronger sense of energy or force.

it is abundant in

Replaces "overflowing" with a more formal term, focusing on a plentiful presence.

it is filled to the brim with

Emphasizes complete fullness; more literal than "overflowing".

it is awash with

Suggests being covered or surrounded by something in abundance.

it teems with

Suggests an abundance of living things or activity.

it is replete with

A more formal and less common way to express fullness or abundance.

it is saturated with

Implies a thorough permeation or saturation.

it is packed with

Focuses on the density of content; suggests tight packing.

it is rich in

Highlights the presence of valuable or desirable qualities.

FAQs

What does "it is overflowing with" mean?

The phrase "it is overflowing with" means that something is excessively full or abundant in a particular quality, item, or characteristic. It suggests a quantity so large that it's figuratively spilling over.

How can I use "it is overflowing with" in a sentence?

You can use "it is overflowing with" to describe something that has a lot of something. For example, you could say, "The garden "is overflowing with" flowers" or "The internet "is overflowing with" information."

What are some alternatives to "it is overflowing with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is brimming with", "it is abundant in", or "it is rich in", which all convey a sense of abundance or excess but with slightly different nuances.

Is "it is overflowing with" formal or informal?

The phrase "it is overflowing with" is generally considered to be neither strictly formal nor strictly informal; its appropriateness depends on the context. It is acceptable in news articles, blog posts, and general conversation. However, it might not be suitable for highly formal or technical writing.