was fraught with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was fraught with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or experience that is filled with something undesirable, such as problems, dangers, or difficulties. Example: "The project was fraught with challenges that tested the team's resilience and creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it was fraught with danger nonetheless.

Princeton University

But it was fraught with problems.

The New York Times

The roughness was fraught with endless possibility.

The New York Times - Tech

The mission was fraught with logistical problems.

The Guardian

Ordinary life was fraught with eternal hazards.

The Guardian - Books

"The contract was fraught with anomalies".

The New York Times

At times, that journey was fraught with anxiety.

The New York Times

The alleged murder plot was fraught with problems.

Independent

Even her early career, though, was fraught with controversy.

The New York Times - Arts

The transition was fraught with headaches, though, small and large.

The New York Times - Sports

For him, the work was fraught with stress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject of the sentence is something that can logically be 'fraught with' something else. For example, 'The journey was fraught with danger' makes sense, but 'The table was fraught with danger' does not, unless the table itself presents some danger.

Common error

Avoid using "was fraught with" to describe positive situations. The phrase inherently implies negative or challenging circumstances. For example, do not say 'The party was fraught with joy'; instead, use a phrase like 'The party was filled with joy'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was fraught with" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it was filled with something undesirable. Ludwig AI showcases it describing journeys, missions, contracts, and relationships, highlighting its role in adding negative connotations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was fraught with" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations burdened with difficulties, dangers, or negative emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. While effective in adding depth and a slightly formal tone, it should be reserved for situations where negative connotations are genuinely intended, differentiating it from more neutral expressions like "was filled with". Remembering best practices can help writers effectively employ this phrase to convey the intended meaning. Overall, its widespread adoption across reputable sources underscores its reliability and usefulness in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was filled with

This alternative provides a more direct and simpler way to express that something was full of difficulties or negative elements.

was laden with

This suggests that something was heavily burdened with negative aspects, emphasizing the weight of the issues.

was beset by

This highlights that something was persistently troubled or attacked by problems.

was plagued by

Similar to 'beset by', this indicates a continuous and troublesome affliction of problems.

was rife with

This suggests that something was commonly or abundantly filled with undesirable elements.

was attended by

This alternative indicates that something was accompanied by negative occurrences or issues.

was complicated by

This highlights the presence of elements that made something more complex and difficult.

was troubled by

This conveys a sense of worry or disturbance caused by issues or problems.

was marked by

This suggests that something was characterized or defined by difficulties or negative traits.

was characterized by

Similar to 'was marked by', this emphasizes that difficulties were a defining feature.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was fraught with" is used to describe a situation or experience filled with difficulties, dangers, or problems. For example, "The negotiation "was fraught with" tension", or "The journey "was fraught with" danger".

What are some alternatives to "was fraught with"?

Alternatives to "was fraught with" include "was filled with", "was laden with", "was beset by", or "was plagued by". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "is fraught with" instead of "was fraught with"?

Yes, both "is fraught with" and "was fraught with" are grammatically correct. Use "is fraught with" for present tense situations and "was fraught with" for past tense situations. For example, "The current project "is fraught with" challenges" versus "The previous attempt "was fraught with" setbacks".

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

"Fraught with" implies the presence of something negative or undesirable, such as difficulties, dangers, or anxiety. "Filled with" is more neutral and can describe the presence of positive or negative elements. For example, a situation might be "fraught with" risk, but "filled with" opportunities.