an overwhelming event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overwhelming event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that is extremely intense or difficult to manage emotionally or physically. Example: "The sudden loss of her loved one was an overwhelming event that left her in shock for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Jeannette writes in her foreword that "discovering Beckett... was for Dick an overwhelming event, a kind of intellectual explosion.

The New York Times - Books

"We just stop and think about help". FEMA attributed some of the delay to miscommunications in an overwhelming event.

The New York Times

September 11 was such an overwhelming event that many people have been open to the wilder accounts of what lay behind it.

The Guardian

But many of the blowups surrounding Mr. Bloomberg's statements have been of a piece, reflecting his seeming inability to empathize with the difficulties faced by New Yorkers, whether from an overwhelming event like 9/11 or a more mundane challenge like moving the car after a snowstorm.

The New York Times

The report, significant parts of which were obtained by The New York Times, acknowledges that the terrorist attack, in which thousands of people were trapped by fires in two of the world's tallest buildings, was an overwhelming event that required an unusual level of coordination.

The New York Times

Everton manager Roberto Martinez praises the "bravery" shown by the coaches at the World Cup, which has made it an "overwhelming event" so far and incomparable to any other major tournament he has witnessed.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Consequently trauma (damage to an individual due to a psychologically and emotionally overwhelming event or series of severe events) (11) and its continuing effects, have contributed to many present health issues such as mental illness, depression, suicide, violence, and sexual, alcohol, and drug-related vulnerabilities (12– 12).

Global Health Action

PTSD is a condition in which an overwhelming traumatic event results in intense fear, helplessness, horror, and avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma [13].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

One internal solution for coping with an overwhelming traumatic event is to deny its existence; i.e., to dissociate from the painful truth and proceed as though it didn't happen.

HuffPost

The overwhelming event of the Boyajians' life has been the death of their son, Johnny, in the Persian Gulf war 12 years before.

The New York Times

It was put together to make this sometimes overwhelming event more fun and discuss details like cost in advance.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of an event on individuals or communities, use "an overwhelming event" to convey a sense of being overcome by the scale or intensity of what happened.

Common error

Avoid using "an overwhelming event" when a simpler description suffices. Reserve it for situations where the emotional or practical challenges truly surpass ordinary coping mechanisms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overwhelming event" functions as a noun phrase, where "overwhelming" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "event". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes an event of significant intensity or impact.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overwhelming event" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich phrase used to describe occurrences of significant magnitude and impact. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness across various contexts. While relatively uncommon, it effectively communicates the intensity of an event, particularly in news, scientific, and academic domains. When choosing this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the described event genuinely warrants such a strong characterization to avoid overstatement. Remember to consider alternatives like "an intense experience" or "a profound occurrence" to best suit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intense experience

Focuses on the emotional or sensory intensity of the experience, rather than its scale or impact.

a profound occurrence

Highlights the depth and significance of the event, emphasizing its lasting effect.

a major incident

Emphasizes the significance and potential consequences of the event.

a life-altering experience

Specifically denotes an event that significantly changes someone's life or perspective.

a momentous occasion

Suggests an event of great importance, often with historical or celebratory connotations.

a seismic shift

Implies a sudden and significant change, often with widespread effects.

a traumatic episode

Specifically refers to an event that causes significant emotional distress or psychological harm.

a powerful happening

Highlights the strength and impact of the event.

a stunning development

Emphasizes the unexpected and surprising nature of the event.

a history-making moment

Indicates an event that is likely to be remembered as a significant point in history.

FAQs

How can I use "an overwhelming event" in a sentence?

You can use "an overwhelming event" to describe situations where the scale or intensity of an occurrence is difficult to manage. For example: "The terrorist attack was "an overwhelming event" that required an unusual level of coordination."

What are some alternatives to "an overwhelming event"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "an intense experience", "a profound occurrence", or "a major incident".

Is it appropriate to use "an overwhelming event" in formal writing?

Yes, "an overwhelming event" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing significant or impactful situations in news, academic, or professional contexts.

What kind of events are typically described as "an overwhelming event"?

Events that cause significant emotional, psychological, or practical challenges are often described as "an overwhelming event". Examples include natural disasters, large-scale crises, or deeply personal traumas.