packed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "packed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a place that is full of people or things. For example, "The beach was packed with people enjoying the summer sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When he came to give a talk at the college, the room was packed with business students of many nationalities who lapped up his observations on design and branding and bathed him in admiration and affection.

The Guardian

With a team and cooking of this quality, a packed room of contented clients – the set lunch is a steal – why would she care?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Obviously I can do all those things now *coughs loudly* but that doesn't mean I still don't need awesome songs to help me! 4. Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas – Mercy by Hurts Throne of Glass is one of the best YA fantasy sagas out there at the moment, and is packed with ALL of the feels.

The Guardian

The waterfront has been redeveloped and the park totally remodelled – it is now packed with families strolling in the summer sunshine or skating on its frozen paths, depending on the time of year.

The Guardian

Let that sink in for one second While the plot moves at breakneck speed through betrayal, blackmail, murder attempts and sex tapes, the script of The Royals is packed full of lines made for social media.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I come here to protest against this football …" Frederick Nicholas Charrington never got to finish his address to a packed Craven Cottage, as the hullabaloo that followed his opening line led to him being escorted out of the ground.

The Guardian - Sport

For the first time since 1997 the market held alongside Mestalla was moved to Saturday so that Valencia could play on Sunday at noon and the place was packed, as it has been for most of the season.

The Guardian - Sport

Covering more than 92,000 sq metres (1m sq ft), it is packed with supercomputers operated by codebreakers and data miners who work behind concrete and limestone walls that are up to 2.5 metres (8ft) thick.

The Guardian

Part of the reason Manhattan Love Story (and the other duds of 2014) are lasting so long is because the premiere schedule isn't nearly as packed as it used to be.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A genetically-modified plant that produces seeds packed with fish oils is set to be grown in open fields in the UK within months, scientists announced on Friday.

The Guardian

4) A European sharing economy In a packed tent outside the parliament, a film called The Light Bulb Conspiracy is showing, an investigative documentary about planned obsolescence – the engineering of products designed to fail in order to guarantee consumer demand.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a space with many people, use "packed" to emphasize the density and closeness of the crowd. For example, "The concert venue was packed with fans."

Common error

Avoid using "packed" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "filled", "occupied", or "replete" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The word "packed" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a noun that is filled to capacity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, with examples like "a packed room" and "packed with explosives" illustrating its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "packed" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that is full or filled to capacity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media. Its primary function is to convey fullness or density, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like "crowded" or "full" exist, "packed" emphasizes the tight, often organized nature of the filling. When writing, be mindful of overuse in formal contexts, opting for more precise terms when appropriate. Overall, "packed" is a reliable choice for describing spaces or objects filled to their limit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crowded

Indicates a space filled with people, but emphasizes the density of the crowd.

jammed

Suggests a tighter, more compressed filling than "packed".

full

A general term for being filled, without necessarily implying density.

brimming

Implies being full to the top edge, ready to spill over.

stuffed

Implies an excessive filling, often to the point of overflowing.

overflowing

Indicates that something is filled beyond its capacity.

loaded

Suggests being filled with a specific item or cargo.

teeming

Describes a place overflowing with activity or life.

congested

Specifically refers to an area blocked or overcrowded, often with traffic.

swarming

Suggests a large number of things moving around in a confined space.

FAQs

How can I use "packed" in a sentence?

You can use "packed" to describe something that is full, such as "The train was packed with commuters" or "Her suitcase was packed with clothes".

What is a good alternative to "packed"?

Good alternatives to "packed" include "crowded", "full", or "jammed", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something is "packed to the gills"?

The phrase "packed to the gills" is an idiom that means completely full or overflowing. It's generally considered informal.

What's the difference between "packed" and "crammed"?

"Packed" generally implies a tight but organized filling, while "crammed" suggests a disorganized and often forced filling. For example, you might say a suitcase is "packed", but a drawer is "crammed".