was filled with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was filled with" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to indicate what something contained. For example: "The room was filled with a sweet scent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was filled with rainwater.

The New Yorker

I was filled with guilt.

The New Yorker

Everything was filled with possibility".

The New York Times

It was filled with orange marks.

The New York Times

The death chamber was filled with ghosts".

The New York Times

The speech was filled with devastating information.

The New Yorker

The living room was filled with books.

The New Yorker

The hallway was filled with smoke.

The New York Times

The city was filled with wounded soldiers.

The New Yorker

"His armpit was filled with fungus".

The New Yorker

The apartment was filled with moving boxes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was filled with" to vividly describe the contents or qualities of a space, object, or state. For instance, "The air was filled with anticipation" effectively conveys a sense of excitement.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses within a sentence when using "was filled with". Ensure the surrounding verbs maintain consistency (e.g., "The room was filled with laughter as the guests arrived", not "The room was filled with laughter as the guests arrive").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was filled with" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject received the action of being filled. It is used to describe the contents or qualities that occupy a space, object, or emotional state. Ludwig shows its common usage in describing tangible and intangible things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was filled with" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe the state of being occupied or permeated by something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its frequency in diverse sources, particularly in News & Media, underscores its widespread applicability. As detailed above, it's crucial to maintain tense consistency and to avoid confusion with "was filled by", which denotes agency rather than content. By using this phrase judiciously, writers can effectively convey a sense of completeness or abundance. Ludwig's examples showcase its role in describing a plethora of elements, emotions and ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was brimming with

Suggests an overflow or abundance, implying something is filled to the point of overflowing.

was overflowing with

Similar to 'brimming', but with a stronger sense of excess and potential spillage.

was replete with

Indicates a state of being fully or abundantly supplied, often with a sense of satisfaction or completion.

was saturated with

Implies a thorough permeation or impregnation, often with a liquid or quality.

was packed with

Suggests a tight or dense filling, often with tangible objects or items.

was abundant in

Highlights the plentiful presence of something, emphasizing quantity rather than the act of filling.

was rich in

Emphasizes the presence of valuable or desirable elements.

was imbued with

Implies that something is filled or permeated with a quality, feeling, or idea.

was thick with

Suggests a dense or heavy filling, often with something intangible like smoke or emotion.

was heavy with

Indicates a significant presence or burden of something.

FAQs

How can I use "was filled with" in a sentence?

The phrase "was filled with" is used to describe a state where something is completely occupied or permeated by something else. For example, you might say, "The stadium "was filled with" cheering fans" or "Her heart "was filled with" joy."

What are some alternatives to using "was filled with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "was brimming with", "was replete with", or "was overflowing with" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to express.

Is it grammatically correct to say "was filled by" instead of "was filled with"?

While "was filled by" is grammatically correct, it has a different meaning. "Was filled by" indicates the agent or entity that did the filling, whereas ""was filled with"" describes the content or substance that occupies something. For example, "The tank "was filled with" water" (content) versus "The tank "was filled by" the volunteer crew" (agent).

What is the difference between "was filled with" and "is filled with"?

The difference lies in the tense. "Was filled with" indicates a past state, while "is filled with" describes a present state. For example, "The jar "was filled with" candy yesterday" (past) versus "The jar "is filled with" candy now" (present).