plugged up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plugged up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a blockage or obstruction, often in reference to a physical object or a bodily function. Example: "After eating that heavy meal, I felt completely plugged up and uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"A plugged-up toilet is a problem -- but if it's plugged up with a toy that a tenant's child dropped in....".

Huffington Post

"They plugged up Frankenstein and now we're sparking to life".

The Guardian - Music

"They've plugged up their holes really good," Cox said.

The New York Times

He thinks it is useless to poison rats unless garbage is disposed of & rat holes plugged up properly.

The New Yorker

Residents have plugged up the wind catches, drastically increasing the indoor temperature in summer and lowering it in winter.

The New York Times - Arts

The ends of the drain were plugged up, and they were kept in the dark and filth for weeks.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Will ice plug up the pipe?

The New York Times - Science

I used food to plug up my feelings.

The New York Times - Style

My theory is that, if you artificially plug up one opening, another might pop through".

The New Yorker

Chewing gum and even Gummi Bears are often banned, too, because they can be used to plug up locks.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dr. Kean said ash from the fire might also play a role, plugging up pores in the soil structure.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plugged up" to vividly describe a metaphorical or emotional blockage. For instance, instead of saying "He was unable to express his emotions," you could say "He felt plugged up with sadness".

Common error

Avoid using "plugged up" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and professional terms like "obstructed", "occluded", or "blocked" to maintain a suitable tone and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plugged up" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing something that is blocked or obstructed. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing both physical objects (e.g., "plugged-up toilet") and more abstract states (e.g., "ears plugged up with cotton").

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plugged up" is a commonly used adjective phrase that describes something that is blocked or obstructed, with Ludwig demonstrating its applicability to both physical and metaphorical contexts. Ludwig AI analysis shows that the phrase is grammatically correct. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral level of formality. For more formal or technical writing, it is advisable to consider alternatives such as "blocked" or "obstructed". The phrase serves to convey the idea of hindrance or stoppage effectively, making it a valuable part of the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blocked

This term is a direct synonym, implying something is obstructed and cannot pass through.

stopped up

A more emphatic way of saying something is blocked.

clogged

Similar to "blocked", but often used for pipes or channels.

obstructed

Indicates something is preventing movement or flow.

congested

Suggests an area is overcrowded and flow is impeded.

impeded

This emphasizes the hindering or obstruction of progress or flow.

sealed

Implies something is completely closed off, preventing any passage.

occluded

A more formal term for being blocked or closed off.

jammed

Indicates that something is stuck and unable to move or pass.

choked

Suggests a severe blockage, often used for breathing or flow.

FAQs

What does "plugged up" mean?

The phrase "plugged up" generally means blocked or obstructed. It can refer to physical blockages, such as a /s/clogged pipe, or metaphorical obstructions, such as suppressed emotions.

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

You can use "plugged up" to describe anything that is blocked or obstructed. For example, "The drain is /s/plugged+up with hair", or "She felt /s/plugged+up with anxiety before the presentation".

Which is a more formal alternative to "plugged up"?

For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "blocked", "obstructed", or "occluded". These options provide a more professional tone while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "plugged up"?

Yes, "plugged up" is grammatically correct and widely used in spoken and written English. It is commonly used as an adjective to describe something that is blocked. Ludwig AI confirms this with real-world examples.