punctuated with

USAGE SUMMARY

"punctuated with" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the use of punctuation marks or pauses in a sentence. Here are two examples: 1. The professor's lecture was punctuated with long pauses, making it difficult for students to follow along. 2. The author's writing style is heavily punctuated with exclamation marks, conveying a sense of excitement and urgency.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That, too, was punctuated with a slam.

The New York Times - Sports

The air is punctuated with laughter.

The New York Times

(Goodbyes are punctuated with both arms tossed in the air).

The New Yorker

His voice dropped to a whisper, punctuated with sobs.

The New Yorker

And the show was punctuated with comic zingers.

The New York Times - Arts

AFRICA'S recent history is punctuated with nasty civil wars.

The Economist

But the gains have been punctuated with prominent failures.

The New York Times

Laura's voice is husky, punctuated with little coughs.

The New York Times - Arts

Conversations tend to be stilted and punctuated with uncomfortable silences.

The New York Times

Various other rooms and passageways are punctuated with wall vitrines.

The New York Times - Arts

Very Good ATMOSPHERE -- Funky-romantic, dark storefront punctuated with candlelight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "punctuated with" to vividly describe events or narratives that are made more interesting or notable by intermittent or recurring elements. It adds texture and detail to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "punctuated with" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your prose sound repetitive. Instead, vary your descriptions with alternatives like "interspersed with" or "marked by" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "punctuated with" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to modify a noun or verb by indicating that something is marked or interrupted by specific elements. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing events or objects enriched by recurring features.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "punctuated with" is a versatile prepositional phrase that vividly describes events or objects marked by recurring elements. Ludwig AI confirms it is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. It excels at adding descriptive detail, particularly in news and media contexts, and maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. Alternatives like "interspersed with" or "marked by" offer subtle variations in meaning. While "punctuated with" is generally safe to use, writers should be mindful of overuse to avoid repetition. By considering these insights, writers can effectively use "punctuated with" to enhance their descriptions and engage their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interspersed with

Highlights the presence of elements scattered among others, emphasizing distribution rather than emphasis.

marked by

Focuses on the presence of distinct features or characteristics, rather than the intermittent nature.

characterized by

Emphasizes the defining qualities or traits present.

dotted with

Suggests small, distinct features spread across a surface or time frame.

broken up by

Emphasizes interruption or segmentation by certain elements.

featured with

Highlights inclusion of specific elements, less focused on the frequency.

accented with

Suggests subtle enhancements or emphasis through the added elements.

highlighted by

Focuses on drawing attention to particular aspects or features.

sprinkled with

Implies a light and scattered distribution of certain elements.

interrupted by

Emphasizes the disruptive nature of the interspersed elements.

FAQs

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

Use "punctuated with" to describe something that is regularly interrupted or emphasized by something else. For example, "The movie was punctuated with moments of unexpected humor."

What are some synonyms for "punctuated with"?

Alternatives include "interspersed with", "marked by", or "characterized by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "The silence was punctuated by a shout"?

Yes, that's a correct and effective usage. It clearly conveys that the silence was interrupted by a sudden shout.

What is the difference between "punctuated with" and "interspersed with"?

"Punctuated with" suggests distinct, noticeable interruptions or highlights, while "interspersed with" suggests elements more evenly distributed or blended throughout.