an overwhelming force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overwhelming force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a powerful or dominant influence or entity in various contexts, such as military, emotional, or social situations. Example: "The storm was an overwhelming force that uprooted trees and caused widespread damage across the town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"It was just an overwhelming force," she said.

The New York Times

Overuse has weakened a word that implies an overwhelming force.

The New York Times

Armed with mortars, grenade launchers and.50-caliber machine guns, the militants were an overwhelming force.

The New York Times

Gilbert made the notorious "Comedy" movement into an overwhelming force of nature, almost scary in its progress.

The New Yorker

Then an overwhelming force of riot police officers separated the two sides, using tear gas to drive back the attackers.

The New York Times

No longer is the threat from an overwhelming force of thousands of Soviet missiles, against which defense would be futile.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

After seeing three senators fall during primaries in 2010 and 2012 and insurgents knock off establishment-backed Republicans in key seats, GOP strategists adopted an overwhelming-force doctrine for handling primary challenges.

The Washington Post

In a display of overwhelming force, an A-10 attack jet circled overhead and dozens of American vehicles surrounded seven mud compounds spread across a barren hillside.

The New York Times

The Russian military borrowed a page from classic Soviet-era doctrine: Moscow's commanders sent an absolutely overwhelming force into Georgia.

The New York Times

It was a Colin Powell overwhelming force approach".

The New York Times

For me, it's a seductive, overwhelming force.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts such as emotions or societal trends, use "an overwhelming force" to convey the intensity and impact of these phenomena. For example, "The wave of technological advancement is an overwhelming force in shaping modern education."

Common error

Avoid using "an overwhelming force" in predictable or cliché situations. Instead, opt for more specific and descriptive language that accurately captures the unique nature of the power being exerted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overwhelming force" functions primarily as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object. It describes something with immense power or influence. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows its use in describing both literal and abstract entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

HuffPost

4%

Vice

2%

Los Angeles Times

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overwhelming force" is a common noun phrase used to describe entities or influences of great power. As Ludwig AI verifies, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, primarily in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. While versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios where significant impact is being conveyed. Related alternatives include "an unstoppable force" or "an irresistible force". When writing, avoid overuse in clichés and ensure it fits the gravity of the situation being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an irresistible force

Replaces 'overwhelming' with 'irresistible', emphasizing the inability to withstand the force.

an overwhelming army

Replaces 'force' with 'army', specifying a military context.

an unstoppable force

Changes 'overwhelming' to 'unstoppable', stressing the continuous and unyielding nature of the force.

an overwhelming strength

Replaces 'force' with 'strength', highlighting the inherent power and resilience.

an irrefutable force

Replaces 'overwhelming' with 'irrefutable', emphasizing the undeniable quality of the force.

an insurmountable force

Substitutes 'overwhelming' with 'insurmountable', focusing on the inability to overcome the force.

an enormous force

Substitutes 'overwhelming' with 'enormous', focusing on the sheer size or magnitude of the force.

an immense force

Replaces 'overwhelming' with 'immense', emphasizing the vastness and scale of the force.

an overwhelming pressure

Substitutes 'force' with 'pressure', highlighting the intensity of influence rather than physical power.

an overwhelming troop

Replaces 'force' with 'troop', specifically indicating a large group of soldiers.

FAQs

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

You can use "an overwhelming force" to describe situations where there's immense power or influence, like "The support for the project was "an overwhelming force", ensuring its success."

What's a good alternative to "an overwhelming force" that still conveys strength?

Alternatives include "an unstoppable force", "an irresistible force", or "a powerful influence", each emphasizing different aspects of dominance.

Is it correct to use "an overwhelming force" when describing emotions?

Yes, "an overwhelming force" can effectively describe emotions, such as "Grief washed over her like "an overwhelming force", leaving her numb."

When is it not appropriate to use the phrase "an overwhelming force"?

Avoid using "an overwhelming force" when describing minor or insignificant situations; it's best reserved for scenarios with substantial impact or power. Choose a more fitting descriptor for weaker intensities.