plugged in

USAGE SUMMARY

"plugged in" is a valid expression to use in written English.
It is often used to refer to a device that has been connected to a power source or other external device. For example, "Make sure your laptop is plugged in to the power supply before using it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

All plugged in?

Independent

plugged in with his consumers.

The New York Times

Laptops were plugged in.

The New York Times - Travel

We're constantly plugged in.

The Guardian - Opinion

They're always plugged in.

Harvard Business Review

Most hybrids cannot be plugged in.

The New York Times

Dylan "plugged in" and defied the folkies.

The New Yorker

Arabs are increasingly interconnected and plugged in.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A plugged-in couch for the plugged-in generation.

TechCrunch

Plugged-In Ships Q.

The New York Times

College students are plugged-in people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plugged in" to convey a sense of being up-to-date and engaged with current trends or information.

Common error

While "plugged in" is common, avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise terms like "connected", "engaged", or "informed" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plugged in" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used as an adjective describing a state of being connected (electrically or informationally). Ludwig AI confirms its validity for both electrical and metaphorical connection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

15%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plugged in" is a very common and versatile phrase that describes both physical and metaphorical states of connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using "plugged in", consider whether the context requires clarification to distinguish between electrical connection and informational awareness. While widely acceptable, formal contexts may benefit from more precise alternatives like "connected", "informed", or "engaged". Overall, "plugged in" is a valuable and appropriate phrase for modern communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

connected

This alternative directly conveys the sense of being linked or joined, either physically or figuratively.

hooked up

Similar to "plugged in", this suggests a connection, often in an electrical or technological context.

electrically connected

This phrase is a more formal and explicit way of describing the electrical connection.

wired

This term emphasizes the electrical connection aspect of being "plugged in".

linked

Similar to 'connected', this suggests a link or association.

informed

This alternative focuses on the 'awareness' meaning of "plugged in", indicating being up-to-date with information.

involved

This highlights the engagement aspect of being "plugged in", suggesting active participation.

engaged

Similar to 'involved', it emphasizes being actively participating or engrossed.

switched on

This phrase can refer to both electrical connectivity and mental alertness.

in the loop

This idiom suggests being part of a network of communication or information.

FAQs

How can I use "plugged in" in a sentence?

You can use "plugged in" to describe a device connected to a power source (e.g., "Is the laptop "plugged in"?") or a person who is well-informed and connected (e.g., "She's very "plugged in" to the latest tech trends").

What is a good alternative to "plugged in" when referring to someone who is knowledgeable?

Alternatives include "informed", "well connected", "up to date", or "in the know". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "plugged in" and "connected"?

"Plugged in" often implies a physical connection or being actively engaged, while "connected" can refer to a broader range of relationships or networks. Both terms are often used interchangeably, but "plugged in" can also specifically refer to being electrically powered.

Is it correct to say someone is "plugged in" to a specific topic?

Yes, it is correct. Saying someone is "plugged in" to a topic means they are highly "knowledgeable", "well informed", and "actively engaged" with that subject.