I am overcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am overcome" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used when someone is filled with strong emotion, such as joy, love, or admiration. For example, "When I saw the Mona Lisa up close, I was overcome with emotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Huffington Post

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

I am overcome by emotions".

The Guardian - Sport

I am overcome by joy and sadness.

The Guardian

"I am overcome by ordinary contentment," Jane Kenyon has written.

The New Yorker

I am overcome by the profundity of the experience".

The Guardian

"I am overcome with feelings when I think of the times I spent with the fans here," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"When I think of the suffering endured by the victims and their families, I am overcome by a heartbreaking grief.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

I'm overcome.

Independent

"I was overcome," Wright recalled.

Independent

"I was overcome".

The New York Times

Instead, I was overcome by sweeping generalities.

The New York Times

"I was overcome with emotion," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am overcome" to express a powerful emotional or sensory experience. Ensure the context makes it clear what is causing this feeling. For example: "I am overcome by the beauty of the sunset."

Common error

Avoid using "I am overcome" in casual conversation where a simpler expression would suffice. Save it for moments when you truly want to convey a profound emotional experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am overcome" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing a state of being. It describes the speaker's current emotional condition, indicating they are experiencing a powerful feeling. As Ludwig shows, this can range from joy to grief.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Huffington Post

25%

The New York Times

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Vice

2%

The Guardian

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I am overcome" is a powerful way to express deep emotions, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral to formal, its impact is most effective when used to convey profound emotional experiences. Remember to use it judiciously, saving it for moments where you truly want to express being overwhelmed. The Ludwig AI tool underscores its correct usage, offering a variety of examples and highlighting its effectiveness in conveying deep feeling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm overwhelmed

Focuses specifically on being emotionally or mentally overloaded.

I'm filled with emotion

A more general way of expressing strong feelings.

I'm deeply moved

Emphasizes a strong emotional response, often positive.

I'm deeply touched

Highlights a feeling of gratitude or appreciation that creates emotional response.

I'm greatly affected

Highlights the impact of something on one's emotions or well-being.

I'm astounded

Stresses a feeling of surprise and wonder.

I'm stunned

Implies a state of shock or disbelief.

I'm speechless

Indicates being unable to speak due to strong emotion.

I'm taken aback

Suggests a feeling of surprise, often with a negative connotation.

I'm at a loss for words

Similar to 'speechless', but emphasizes the inability to articulate feelings.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I am overcome"?

Saying "I am overcome" means you are experiencing a strong emotion or feeling, often to the point where it's difficult to think or act normally.

How can I use "I am overcome" in a sentence?

You can use "I am overcome" to describe a range of emotions, such as joy, sadness, or awe. For example, "When I saw my child graduate, I am overcome with pride."

What are some alternatives to "I am overcome"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm overwhelmed", "I'm deeply moved", or "I'm filled with emotion" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am overcoming" instead of "I am overcome"?

"I am overcoming" implies that you are in the process of conquering something, while "I am overcome" suggests that you are currently experiencing an overwhelming emotion or sensation.