Overwhelm the system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Overwhelm the system" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is causing a system to become overloaded or unable to function properly. Example: "The sudden influx of users during the sale was enough to overwhelm the system, causing it to crash."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

An automated correction submission programme could be used to overwhelm the system of check required before a change is verified.

The Guardian - Tech

Nature's nature, and from time to time it will throw things at us that will overwhelm the system".

The Guardian

Today's capital market is too powerful to be harnessed in this way: sooner or later investors will overwhelm the system.

The Economist

Russia's missile forces will remain large enough to overwhelm the system, he noted, and, realistically, no other potential enemy will have effective intercontinental missiles for many years.

The New York Times

Big tweets like that would frequently overwhelm the system and force engineers to take the site down to allow it to catch up.

MIT Technology Review

Which reminds me, the Russians have hinted that if the U.S. builds a missile defense system against Russia's wishes, the Russians will just sell more missiles to Iraq, Iran or China to overwhelm the system.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"They're trying to overwhelm the systems, stop our service from running and close us down.

Independent

Nearly half a million foreclosures are in the Florida courts, overwhelming the system.

The New York Times

This explosion in demand has overwhelmed the system in recent years.

The New York Times

Spikes in the number of calls have occasionally overwhelmed the system, causing disruptions.

The New York Times

On Feb. 18, huge volume overwhelmed the system, and caused delays in confirming many trades.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overwhelm the system", consider the specific type of system you are referencing (e.g., healthcare, IT, political) to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "overwhelm the system" as a vague explanation for failures. Instead, specify the mechanisms or components that are being overloaded or incapacitated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelm the system" typically functions as a verb phrase where "overwhelm" is the verb, and "the system" is the direct object. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and used in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overwhelm the system" is a versatile expression used to describe situations where a system's capacity is exceeded, leading to malfunction or failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While generally neutral in formality, the specific context influences its appropriateness. When using this phrase, specificity is key to avoid overgeneralization and enhance clarity. Related phrases include "overload the infrastructure" and "strain the resources", offering alternative ways to convey the same concept with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Overload the infrastructure

Focuses specifically on the physical or organizational structures that are being stressed.

Strain the resources

Highlights the depletion or overuse of available resources.

Cripple the mechanism

Implies severe damage or impairment to the system's operation.

Incapacitate the network

Specifically targets a network, suggesting a loss of functionality.

Paralyze the framework

Suggests a complete standstill of the operating structure.

Flood the market

Refers to an oversupply in the market, causing instability.

Tax the capacity

Emphasizes the act of burdening or stretching the system's limits.

Overextend the capability

Highlights the pushing of a system beyond its intended operational boundaries.

Break the workflow

Specifically addresses the disruption of a standard operating procedure.

Overrun the defenses

Indicates a breach or overpowering of a system's protective measures.

FAQs

How can "overwhelm the system" be used in a sentence?

You can use "overwhelm the system" to describe a situation where something exceeds a system's capacity, causing it to fail or function improperly. For example, "The sudden surge in demand threatened to overwhelm the system".

What are some alternative ways to express "overwhelm the system"?

Alternatives include "overload the system", "strain the resources", or "cripple the mechanism", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "overwhelm into the system"?

No, "overwhelm into the system" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "overwhelm the system".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "overwhelm the system"?

The phrase "overwhelm the system" is suitable in various contexts, including technology, healthcare, economics, and politics, where a system's capacity is exceeded. The suitability always depends on if a certain system can handle a load that is too high.