What Does “Be riddled with sth” Mean?
“Be riddled with sth” means to be full of something unpleasant, such as holes, problems, or faults.
Introduction
The phrase be riddled with sth is commonly used to describe something that contains a large number of negative things, such as errors, diseases, or damage. When you say something is “riddled with” something, you emphasize the extent or intensity of that issue. For example, a building might be riddled with cracks, or a report could be riddled with mistakes. Understanding the be riddled with sth meaning helps learners use it correctly to describe problems or defects in a vivid way.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: be riddled with something
- Type: Intransitive (with preposition)
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To be full of something bad or harmful
Structure (Grammar Rules)
The phrasal verb be riddled with sth is inseparable. You cannot separate “riddled” from “with.” It follows this pattern:
- Subject + be + riddled + with + noun (something negative)
Examples:
- The report is riddled with errors.
- The old book was riddled with mold.
How to Use Be riddled with sth?
Use be riddled with sth when you want to describe something that is full of negative things. It is often used for physical damage, diseases, or problems. It always describes a strong presence of faults or harmful elements.
It can be used in many contexts, such as health, objects, writing, or situations.
Examples
Imagine a car that has many dents and scratches. You might say, “The car is riddled with dents.” Here are more examples:
- The castle walls were riddled with bullet holes from the battle.
- His argument was riddled with logical fallacies.
- The patient’s lungs were riddled with infection.
- The contract was riddled with confusing clauses.
- The old house was riddled with termites.
These sentences show be riddled with sth in a sentence clearly.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the structure or use it incorrectly. For example, some might say:
- Incorrect: The paper riddled with mistakes.
- Correct: The paper is riddled with mistakes.
Remember, “be” is necessary before “riddled.” Also, do not separate “riddled” and “with.”
Differences / Synonyms
Similar expressions include “be full of,” “be covered with,” and “be plagued by.” However, “be riddled with” usually refers to negative things and suggests a serious or widespread problem.
- Be full of: Neutral, can be positive or negative.
- Be covered with: Focuses on physical covering, not always negative.
- Be plagued by: Refers to being troubled by problems, more abstract.
For example, “The report is full of errors” is similar to “The report is riddled with errors,” but the latter sounds stronger.
Common Collocations
You will often hear be riddled with followed by these nouns:
- holes: physical gaps or damage
- errors: mistakes in writing or calculations
- bullets: holes caused by gunfire
- problems: difficulties or issues
- diseases: illnesses affecting health
- cracks: fractures or breaks
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of be riddled with sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a natural conversation using the phrase:
Anna: Have you seen the old bridge? It looks dangerous.
Ben: Yeah, it’s riddled with cracks and holes. I don’t think it’s safe anymore.
Anna: They should close it before someone gets hurt.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the phrasal verb:
- The report ________ with mistakes, so the manager was upset.
- The walls of the abandoned house ________ with mold and dirt.
- His explanation was ________ with contradictions.
FAQ
- What does “be riddled with sth” mean? It means to be full of something negative, like holes, mistakes, or problems.
- Is “be riddled with” separable? No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb and must stay together.
- Can I use “be riddled with” for positive things? No, it is used only for negative or harmful things.
- What kind of nouns follow “be riddled with”? Usually nouns related to problems, damage, or faults.
- Is “be riddled with” formal or informal? It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
