was packed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was packed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something was filled to capacity or crowded, often referring to places or events. Example: "The concert hall was packed with fans eager to see their favorite band perform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was packed, too.

The New York Times

The room was packed.

The New York Times - Magazine

The café was packed.

The New Yorker

The carriage was packed.

Independent

"It was packed.

The New York Times - Arts

The courtroom was packed.

The New Yorker

The grandstand was packed.

The New York Times - Sports

The club was packed.

The New York Times - Arts

The place was packed.

The Economist

The local library was packed.

The New York Times

It was packed with onlookers".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was packed" to vividly describe a space or container filled to capacity, creating a sense of busyness or congestion. For example, "The train was packed during rush hour", effectively conveys the discomfort of a crowded commute.

Common error

Avoid using "was packed" to describe abstract or non-physical subjects. It's more appropriate to say "the agenda was full" instead of "the agenda was packed", as the latter can sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was packed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject received the action of being filled completely. As Ludwig AI examples show, it describes the state of being full or crowded. The phrase uses the past tense of the verb 'be' followed by the past participle of 'pack'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was packed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a condition of being completely full or crowded. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid using it with abstract subjects. Alternatives like "was crowded" or "was full" can be used interchangeably depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By adhering to these guidelines, writers can effectively and appropriately use "was packed" to enhance their descriptions and create vivid imagery for their readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was crowded

Replaces "packed" with a direct synonym, focusing on the presence of many people or things in a space.

was full

Indicates that something has reached its capacity, similar to "packed" but with a broader application.

was crammed

Emphasizes the tightness and lack of space, suggesting a more forceful filling than "packed".

was jammed

Similar to crammed, but suggests more disorder.

was teeming

Suggests a lively abundance, often used when referring to living things.

was thronged

Implies a large crowd actively moving through a space.

was overflowing

Indicates that the contents exceeded the capacity of a container or space.

was heaving

Suggests a large and energetic crowd, often with a sense of movement or excitement.

was bursting

Similar to overflowing, conveying a sense of being filled to an extreme.

was swarming

Used to describe a place filled with a large number of insects or people moving around quickly and randomly.

FAQs

How can I use "was packed" in a sentence?

Use "was packed" to describe a place or container that is full of people or items. For instance, "The concert hall "was packed" with enthusiastic fans."

What are some alternatives to "was packed"?

You can use alternatives like "was crowded", "was full", or "was jammed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was packed with"?

Yes, "was packed with" is a correct and common usage. For example, "The suitcase "was packed with" clothes."

What's the difference between "was packed" and "was crowded"?

"Was packed" generally implies being filled to capacity, while "was crowded" suggests a large number of people in a space, but not necessarily at maximum capacity. The two phrases are often interchangeable.