thoroughly wet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly wet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely soaked or saturated with water or another liquid. Example: "After the rainstorm, the ground was thoroughly wet, making it difficult to walk without getting muddy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

As new growth begins, I make sure to thoroughly wet all the soil at each watering.

The New York Times

"Douse" means to plunge something into water and make it thoroughly wet; "dowse" means to use a divining rod to find underground sources of water.

Independent

Thoroughly wet wood, bent to shape and brought to dryness over the heat of a fire, would retain its bent form, a most useful property.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Informer Edmund has his own snowy trek, to the Witch's icy palace, during which he gets thoroughly wet and miserable; the wintry landscape is sublime, but also properly hard-going.

The Guardian - Books

It was thoroughly wet when we drove the vehicle, but we just nailed it at full throttle and its back wheels held the road in a vice-like grip as the speedo blazed its way past the ton.

Independent

We sprayed each inflorescence and the entire plant until thoroughly wet.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Inside stood a terrified Jap in nothing but his shorts being thoroughly wetted down.

The New Yorker

The stone is placed in a sink and thoroughly wetted, and carborundum powder is sprinkled over it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Are there other low-toxicity insecticides I can try? A. It is unlikely that you have been spraying properly, thoroughly wetting both the tops and the undersides of the leaves.

The New York Times

Subsequently when the denim garment was thoroughly wetted in enzyme washing, it tended to revert its more stable dimensions which results in the contraction of the yarns.

Fashion and Textiles

Next, place a coverslip over the tumor, thoroughly wetting both the sides with PBS and bringing part of the tumor into focus.

Cancer Nanotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly wet" to emphasize a complete saturation. For example, instead of saying "the cloth was wet", specify "the cloth was thoroughly wet" to highlight the extent of the wetness.

Common error

While "thoroughly wet" is acceptable in many contexts, consider using more precise or formal alternatives like "completely saturated" or "fully moistened" in academic or professional writing to maintain a refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly wet" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of complete saturation. The function is to describe the extent to which something is wet. As shown in Ludwig, it's commonly used to describe soil, hair, clothes, or other materials.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughly wet" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that is completely saturated with liquid. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and usage across various contexts, including Wiki, News & Media, and Science. While it is generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing. When using this phrase, ensure that you are emphasizing the completeness of the saturation, and avoid overuse in formal contexts where more precise terms may be appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely soaked

Emphasizes the completeness of the saturation.

utterly drenched

Highlights the intensity and abundance of wetness.

saturated through and through

Focuses on the penetration of wetness into the entirety of an object.

soaked to the bone

Specifically refers to people and implies extreme wetness.

drenched to the skin

Specifically refers to people and implies extreme wetness of clothing.

dripping wet

Emphasizes the presence of excess water falling from the object.

sopping wet

Implies a heavy and unpleasant level of wetness.

awash

Describes being covered or flooded with water.

waterlogged

Refers to being saturated with water to the point of being heavy or difficult to manage.

fully immersed

Implies complete submersion in a liquid.

FAQs

What does "thoroughly wet" mean?

"Thoroughly wet" means something is completely soaked or saturated with liquid, leaving no dry areas.

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

You might say, "After the heavy rain, the field was "completely soaked" and difficult to traverse." Or, "Make sure to get the soil "properly wet" before planting the seeds."

What are some alternatives to saying "thoroughly wet"?

Consider using phrases like "completely soaked", "utterly drenched", or "saturated through and through" for similar meanings.

Is it better to say "thoroughly wet" or "completely wet"?

Both "thoroughly wet" and "completely wet" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context. The Ludwig AI provides many instances of "thoroughly wet" in various reliable sources.