are being overpowered

USAGE SUMMARY

'are being overpowered' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the current state or process of a person being overpowered, typically by forces or circumstances outside of their control. For example: "In the face of adversity, the small business owners are being overpowered by their larger corporate rivals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"People are being overpowered with political messages".

The New York Times

But they are being overpowered at the newsstand by much less literate brethren.

The New York Times

So if you are being overpowered at work and want that one-on-one time with your boss, or to take the lead on the next project, ask for it, stay humble, and kick some ass!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Nonetheless, he knew how to overpower, and this he practiced without the overpowered ever noticing that they were being overpowered.

The New Yorker

Let's not forget that Halep is playing very well here, but she's being overpowered by a rival whose unerring accuracy under extreme pressure and from the tightest of angles is little short of astonishing.

The Guardian - Sport

A heel of more than 20 degrees usually indicates that you're being overpowered.

WikiHow

You will need to do this when the wind is too strong and you're being overpowered.

WikiHow

Yet earlier in the same competition, against Wasps, this team had by half-time withdrawn both their props, thus ensuring uncontested scrums for the second half of a match in which their own scrum was being relentlessly overpowered.

The Guardian - Sport

— JOANNE C. GERSTNER It's fascinating to watch Federer being overpowered, at times, by del Potro.

The New York Times

Even here in the Great Plains, farmland areas are more often being overpowered in political tugs of war for state budget dollars.

The New York Times

For some of us, the first memories of maleness are of being overpowered, slammed against walls, grabbed by the shirt by angry fathers and uncles, by men desperate to teach us how to be strong, how to handle ourselves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are being overpowered" to describe a situation where someone or something is currently losing control or influence due to a stronger force. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the process.

Common error

Avoid using "are being overpowered" to describe a permanent or unchanging state. It's best suited for dynamic situations where a shift in power is actively occurring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being overpowered" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being overpowered. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis, which identifies it as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are being overpowered" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase that describes a current situation where someone or something is losing control or influence due to a stronger force. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears frequently in news media and wiki sources, suggesting a neutral register. When choosing an alternative, consider the nuance you want to convey, such as "are getting overwhelmed" or "are being dominated". Remember to use it in dynamic situations to accurately reflect the ongoing power shift.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are getting overwhelmed

Replaces "overpowered" with "overwhelmed", focusing on the feeling of being burdened or inundated.

are getting defeated

Emphasizes the outcome of being overpowered, highlighting the loss or failure.

are being subdued

Focuses on the act of being brought under control by force or authority.

are being conquered

Suggests a complete takeover or vanquishing by an opposing force.

are being dominated

Highlights the state of being controlled or ruled by someone or something else.

are losing control

Shifts the focus to the loss of agency and the ability to manage a situation.

are succumbing to

Implies a yielding or giving in to pressure or force.

are crumbling under pressure

Focuses on the breakdown or collapse due to intense strain.

are at the mercy of

Emphasizes the vulnerability and dependence on external forces.

are no match for

Highlights the imbalance of power and the inability to compete effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "are being overpowered" in a sentence?

You can use "are being overpowered" to describe a current situation where a person or entity is losing strength or control. For instance, "Small businesses are being overpowered by large corporations in the current market."

What's a similar phrase to "are being overpowered"?

Alternatives include "are getting overwhelmed", "are getting defeated", or "are being dominated". The best option depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "are being overpowered"?

Use "are being overpowered" when you want to emphasize an ongoing process of losing control or influence to a stronger force. It highlights the dynamic nature of the situation.

Is there a more formal alternative to "are being overpowered"?

For more formal contexts, consider phrases like "are being subdued" or "are being overcome". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.