rife with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'rife with' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is full or overflowing with a particular thing. For example, "The office was rife with gossip and drama."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Connoisseurship is rife with flaws.

The New Yorker

History is rife with warnings.

The New York Times

"Life is rife with coincidence".

The New York Times - Books

Beijing was rife with rumours.

The Economist

Rife with possibilities and variety.

The New York Times - Arts

It's rife with problems".

The Guardian

The constitution itself is rife with compromises.

The New York Times

The moment was rife with potential pitfalls.

The New York Times

The wild rodents were rife with parasites.

The New York Times

And the city was rife with garbage.

The New Yorker

Its making was rife with intrigue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rife with", ensure that the noun following "with" is specific and adds clarity to the sentence. For example, "The article was rife with errors" is clearer than "The article was rife with issues".

Common error

Avoid using "rife with" in very casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "full of" or "loaded with" when writing for a general audience.

How to use

Learn how to use "rife with" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rife with" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. According to Ludwig, this indicates something is abundant or prevalent, usually with a negative connotation. It describes a state of being saturated or permeated by something undesirable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rife with" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is abundant or overflowing with a particular element, often negative. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across various reliable sources. Its function is adjectival, modifying a noun and emphasizing the pervasiveness of a quality. While suitable for formal writing, it may be less appropriate in very casual contexts. Consider alternatives like "replete with" or ""full of"" for different shades of meaning. Remember that using "rife with" works best when you want to highlight problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

replete with

Emphasizes fullness and abundance, often with a positive connotation of being well-supplied.

teeming with

Suggests a lively abundance, often implying movement or activity.

abounding in

Highlights the generous presence of something within a particular context.

overflowing with

Indicates an excess or surplus, often to the point of spilling over.

saturated with

Implies a deep and thorough permeation, often used in a figurative sense.

thick with

Suggests a dense concentration, often creating a heavy or oppressive atmosphere.

full of

A more general and versatile alternative, indicating the presence of something in a given space or situation.

permeated by

Focuses on the idea of something spreading throughout and influencing everything it touches.

awash in

Conveys the feeling of being overwhelmed or inundated by something.

beset by

Implies a troublesome or challenging abundance of something negative.

FAQs

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

The phrase "rife with" is used to describe something that is full of or abundant in something else, typically something negative. For example, "The project was "rife with" problems".

What can I say instead of "rife with"?

You can use alternatives like "replete with", "teeming with", or "abounding in" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "rife with" in formal writing?

Yes, "rife with" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and conveys a sense of abundance or pervasiveness. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

What's the difference between "rife with" and "full of"?

While both phrases indicate abundance, "rife with" often implies a negative or undesirable quality. "Full of" is more neutral and can be used for both positive and negative attributes. Use "full of" when the filling is positive, and "rife with" when the filling is negative.