soaking wet

USAGE SUMMARY

"soaking wet" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something (or someone) that is very wet due to being exposed to large amounts of water, such as rain. For example: "I got caught in the rain without an umbrella and by the time I got home I was soaking wet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't soak the whole towel so it's soaking wet!

WikiHow

You become soaking wet – you are asleep in your bunk and everything is soaking wet.

The Guardian

Everything was soaking wet.

The New York Times

Soaking wet, ten degrees.

The New Yorker

A buck five soaking wet?

The New York Times

She got soaking wet after one throw".

The Guardian - Sport

Menial tasks in soaking wet conditions.

The Guardian

Plus, we're soaking wet the whole time.

The New Yorker

"I got soaking wet," Zito said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I got soaking wet," Ozark said, laughing.

The New York Times - Sports

All were soaking wet from rain.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "soaking wet" to vividly describe a state of extreme wetness, creating a strong image for the reader. For instance, instead of saying "the dog was wet", saying "the dog was soaking wet" emphasizes the intensity of the wetness.

Common error

While "soaking wet" is widely understood, it might sound too informal for certain professional or academic papers. Opt for terms like "thoroughly saturated" or "completely drenched" in those contexts to maintain a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "soaking wet" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their state of being extremely wet. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard and correct usage. Examples show it describing clothes, bodies, and objects exposed to water.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

16%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

29%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "soaking wet" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that is extremely wet. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It's most frequently found in News & Media, but also appears in Wiki and academic sources. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards informal and may be replaced with more formal terms like "saturated" in professional or academic writing. The phrase effectively emphasizes the degree of wetness, creating a vivid image for the reader. To avoid redundancy, don't use "very" before "soaking wet". Alternatives include "drenched to the bone", "utterly soaked", and "wet through", each offering slightly different connotations. Keep in mind to use terms like "completely drenched" in professional or academic papers to keep a serious tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drenched to the bone

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the wetness, implying that moisture has penetrated deeply.

sopping wet

Similar to "soaking wet" but can sometimes imply a messier or less pleasant wetness.

utterly soaked

Highlights the completeness of the saturation, suggesting no part remains dry.

wet through

Indicates that the wetness has penetrated all layers, reaching the innermost point.

saturated

A more formal term emphasizing the state of being completely filled with liquid.

soaked to the skin

Specifically refers to clothing being completely wet, reaching the skin underneath.

dripping wet

Focuses on the active state of water falling from something that is excessively wet.

wringing wet

Suggests the item is so wet that water could be squeezed out of it.

waterlogged

Implies an excessive amount of water, often to a degree that is detrimental or damaging.

awash

Suggests being covered or flooded with water, often implying a large quantity of water.

FAQs

How can I use "soaking wet" in a sentence?

You can use "soaking wet" to describe something or someone that is extremely wet. For example: "After falling into the pool, he was "soaking wet"."

What's a more formal way to say "soaking wet"?

In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "thoroughly saturated", "completely drenched", or "fully permeated" instead of "soaking wet".

Is it redundant to say "very soaking wet"?

Yes, adding "very" before "soaking wet" is usually redundant because "soaking" already implies a high degree of wetness. It's best to stick with "soaking wet".

What's the difference between "soaking wet" and "damp"?

"Soaking wet" describes something that is extremely wet, while "damp" implies a slight degree of wetness. "Soaking wet" is much more intense than "damp".