Wreathed In: Standard Pattern
Wreathed In: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
Use formal “wreathed in” when something is surrounded or covered by something such as mist, smoke, or smiles.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| formal description of something surrounded/covered | wreathed in + noun | Use the documented formal “wreathed in” construction. |
| the source uses the alternative preposition | wreathed with + noun | “With” is also documented; “in” is not the only possible preposition. |
| ordinary neutral wording is preferred | use a plainer synonym if appropriate | “Wreathed” is formal/literary in tone compared with everyday alternatives. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Do you want the formal construction describing something as surrounded or covered by what follows?
If yes: Use “wreathed in.”
If no: If the intended wording uses the documented alternative, “wreathed with” also exists; otherwise choose a plainer construction if the register calls for it.
Caveat: The reviewed source documents “be wreathed in/with something,” so this page does not label “with” wrong.
Examples
The hills were wreathed in mist.
“Wreathed in” formally describes the hills as surrounded by mist.
Her face was wreathed in smiles.
The construction can be used figuratively in formal/literary wording.
The doorway was wreathed with flowers.
The reviewed source also documents “wreathed with.”
Further guidance
Construction
Use formal “wreathed in” when something is surrounded or covered by something such as mist, smoke, or smiles.
Style Boundary
Oxford directly documents passive “be wreathed in/with something.” This page owns the “wreathed in” choice while acknowledging that “with” is also documented in other contexts.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- wreathe verb — Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Oxford University Press · Direct Oxford learner-dictionary evidence for passive “be wreathed in/with something,” including “wreathed in” examples.