it was full of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was full of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, object, or experience that contains a large quantity of something. Example: "The garden was full of vibrant flowers, attracting bees and butterflies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Lifestyle

Arts

Sports

Opinion

Tech

Music

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Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was full of junk.

The New York Times

It was full of horror.

The New York Times

It was full of stuff.

Independent

It was full of soldiers.

Independent

It was full of corpses.

Independent

"It was full of bodies.

The New Yorker

It was full of problems.

The New York Times - Sports

It was full of human body parts.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was full of minnows and turtles.

The New Yorker

It was full of fiery vigour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was full of documents.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was full of" to create vivid imagery and emphasize the abundance or concentration of something within a particular context.

Common error

Avoid using "it was full of" in overly simplistic or generic descriptions. Strive for more specific and evocative language to create a stronger impact on the reader. For example, instead of saying "the room was full of furniture", try "the room was crammed with antique chairs and towering bookshelves."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was full of" functions primarily as a descriptive expression. Ludwig confirms that it is a standard construction used to indicate that something contains a large quantity or variety of something else. It modifies a noun or pronoun, providing information about its contents or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Lifestyle

10%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Sports

3%

Travel

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was full of" is a grammatically sound and highly common expression used to describe abundance or a high concentration of something. Ludwig indicates it is a standard construction for descriptive purposes. While its register is primarily neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional contexts. The phrase frequently appears in news and media sources and provides a straightforward way to convey the contents or characteristics of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was brimming with

Implies being filled to the very top edge.

it was packed with

Conveys the sense of being tightly filled, often with people.

it overflowed with

Emphasizes the idea of exceeding capacity and spilling over.

it was loaded with

Suggests a heavy or substantial quantity.

it teemed with

Suggests a large number of living things present.

it was saturated with

Implies being completely soaked or permeated.

it was dense with

Highlights the thickness or compactness of what fills something.

it abounded in

A more formal way to express that something is plentiful.

it was replete with

A formal expression indicating a generous supply.

it was swarming with

Suggests a large and active group, often insects or people.

FAQs

How can I use "it was full of" in a sentence?

You can use "it was full of" to describe a place, object, or experience that contains a large amount of something. For example, "The garden "was full of" vibrant flowers" or "The lecture "was full of" interesting insights".

What are some alternatives to "it was full of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it overflowed with", "it teemed with", "it abounded in", "it was brimming with", or "it was packed with".

Is "it was full of" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "it abounded in" or "it was replete with" for academic or highly professional contexts. The choice depends on your audience and the desired tone.

What's the difference between "it was full of" and "it was filled with"?

Both phrases are similar, but "it was filled with" emphasizes the act of filling, while "it was full of" simply describes the state of being full. "The glass "was filled with" water" suggests someone poured water into it, while "the glass "was full of" water" simply states its current condition.