littered with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "littered with" is a correct and usable part of English written language.
It is used to indicate that something is filled with a large quantity of a particular thing, often something that is unwanted. For example, "The beach was littered with trash from the weekend visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's littered with classical relics.

Independent

It's littered with skeletons.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The ground was littered with goose poop.

The New York Times

History is littered with failed Type Ones.

The New Yorker

Africa is littered with white elephants.

The Economist

It's a city littered with ghosts.

The Guardian - Film

The neighborhood is littered with empty storefronts.

The New York Times

The record is littered with lacunae.

The New Yorker

Texas history is littered with upsets.

The New York Times

Canal Street is littered with abandoned storefronts.

The New York Times - Magazine

The ground is littered with empties.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "littered with", consider the emotional impact. It often evokes a sense of neglect or untidiness, so ensure this aligns with your intended tone.

Common error

Avoid using "littered with" when a positive or neutral description is intended. It typically carries a negative connotation of messiness or carelessness. Opt for phrases like "covered with" or "filled with" for more neutral descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "littered with" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is covered or filled with something, often implying untidiness or excess. Ludwig AI confirms its role in vividly portraying the state of a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "littered with" is a frequently used and grammatically correct adjective phrase that vividly describes a space or object covered in a large quantity of something, often implying disorder or untidiness. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is descriptive, emphasizing abundance and influencing the reader's perception with a slightly negative connotation. While suitable for various contexts, it is most common in news and media, with neutral formality. When considering alternatives, options like "strewn with" or "covered in" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context and desired nuance. Be mindful of its connotation to ensure the intended emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strewn with

Uses "strewn" to emphasize a scattering effect, implying a less organized distribution than "littered".

covered in

Emphasizes a complete or near-complete covering, whereas "littered" suggests a more dispersed distribution.

filled with

Indicates a state of being full, which can be more encompassing than "littered with's" suggestion of surface accumulation.

scattered with

Focuses on the randomness of the distribution, suggesting a less dense concentration than "littered with".

abounding in

Implies a rich presence or a plentiful supply, giving a more positive connotation compared to "littered with".

rife with

Often used to describe something unpleasant or undesirable that is widespread, similar to the negative connotations sometimes associated with "littered".

awash in

Suggests an overwhelming quantity or presence, often with a sense of being flooded or inundated.

thick with

Indicates a dense concentration, implying a more substantial presence than a mere scattering.

populated by

Refers specifically to living beings and indicates that a location is inhabited by them in large numbers.

teeming with

Emphasizes a lively and abundant presence, often suggesting a dynamic or active state.

FAQs

How can I use "littered with" in a sentence?

Use "littered with" to describe a space or area filled with a large amount of something, often unwanted or unsightly. For example, "The streets were "littered with" debris after the storm."

What's a more formal alternative to "littered with"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "strewn with" or "covered in". These alternatives avoid the slightly negative connotation sometimes associated with "littered with".

Is it always negative to say something is "littered with" something?

While "littered with" often has a negative connotation, implying mess or disorder, it can be used neutrally depending on the context. For example, "The field was "littered with" wildflowers" can be a picturesque description.

What is the difference between "scattered with" and "littered with"?

"scattered with" suggests a more even and less dense distribution, whereas "littered with" implies a heavier and potentially disordered accumulation.