it was brimming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was brimming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is full to the point of overflowing, often used in a figurative sense to convey abundance or enthusiasm. Example: "The basket was brimming with fresh fruits, ready for the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It was brimming one evening this fall with all three grandchildren playing quietly in the bedroom.

The New York Times

It was brimming with a liquid that looked like dirty dishwater and smelled much, much worse.

The New York Times - Travel

It was brimming with iPads and iPhones — not to mention a statuette of Steve Jobs in a store window — and one shop owner smirked condescendingly at my laptop.

The New York Times

The refuge was empty when we reached Las Palmas, but by day two it was brimming with French, Dutch and Chilean backpackers (we communicated in Franco-Spanglish).

The Guardian - Travel

I was using a modest-size crate to keep my fish, but the plumber had a giant garbage can, and it was brimming with the tails of dying fish.

The New York Times - Food

Those songs hint at this band's fixation on a parched country sound, echoed in its choice for the B-side of a recent seven-inch single: a cover of Chris Isaak's mope-abilly ballad "Wicked Game" that makes the original sound like it was brimming with hope.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's brimming with hotels.

The Guardian - Money

It's brimming with pleasure and love.

Yale University

Another assumption about rural America is that it's brimming with religious zealots obsessed with abortion rights.

The Guardian

The June 27 draft is notable for not having a consensus top player, but it is brimming with young potential.

The New York Times - Sports

But it is brimming with curious titbits: the use of cocoa beans as currency; the accidental domestication of rye, oats and various legumes after they hitched a ride with wheat and barley; Coca-Cola's origins as a health tonic.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was brimming" to vividly describe a situation or object that is not just full, but overflowing with something, whether it's a physical substance, an emotion, or an abstract quality. For example: "The city was brimming with excitement during the festival."

Common error

While "it was brimming" is acceptable in general writing, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic papers. Opt for more precise language to maintain a professional tone. Reserve it for descriptive or narrative pieces.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was brimming" functions as a descriptive expression. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its use to portray a state of fullness or abundance. It typically modifies a noun, illustrating a state of being filled to capacity, often with an implication of overflowing or being on the verge of overflowing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was brimming" effectively conveys a state of overflowing fullness, often used figuratively to describe an abundance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While common in descriptive and narrative writing, particularly in news and media, it should be used judiciously in formal academic writing where precision is paramount. Consider alternatives like "it overflowed" or "it was filled to the brim" for nuanced expression. Understanding these subtleties ensures effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it overflowed

Uses a different verb to emphasize the act of exceeding capacity.

it was filled to the brim

More literal, highlighting the state of being completely full.

it was packed

Implies a tight, dense fullness, often with people.

it teemed

Suggests a lively abundance or swarming.

it abounded

Highlights a great quantity or plentiful presence.

it was abundant

Adjective form, focusing on the characteristic of being plentiful.

it was replete

More formal, indicating a state of being well-supplied.

it was flush with

Emphasizes a generous supply of something.

it surged

Indicates a sudden and powerful increase to fullness.

it was replete with

Emphasizes the presence of an abundance of something specific.

FAQs

How can I use "it was brimming" in a sentence?

Use "it was brimming" to describe something that is full to overflowing, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The stadium "was brimming with fans"" or "Her heart "was brimming with joy"".

What can I say instead of "it was brimming"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was overflowing", "it was filled to the brim", or "it was packed", depending on the specific context.

Is "it was brimming with" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was brimming with" is grammatically correct. The preposition "with" is typically used to indicate what something is full of. For example, "The glass "was brimming with water"".

What is the difference between "it was brimming" and "it was full"?

"It was full" simply means that something contained as much as it could hold, while "it was brimming" implies that it was so full that it was almost overflowing or overflowing, suggesting a greater degree of fullness.