are consumed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are consumed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being overwhelmed or deeply affected by something, often emotions or thoughts. Example: "She often feels that her worries are consumed by her anxiety, making it difficult to focus on anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People are consumed by it".

The Guardian

Our children are consumed by it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Its leaders are consumed by yet another round of infighting.

The New York Times

Both are consumed by loss; they do not meet.

The Guardian - Books

Fossils are consumed by the wind as well.

The New York Times - Travel

Later the tree, and a cake, are consumed by fire.

The Guardian - Arts

Her days and weekends are consumed by it.

The New York Times

IN HARD times governments are consumed by short-term problems.

The Economist

The last two hundred pages are consumed by endless descriptions of bougainvillea.

The New Yorker

For we are consumed by Thine anger and by Thy wrath are we troubled.

The New Yorker

Patients are consumed by their hallucinations and delusions, unable to communicate what their needs are.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are consumed by" to vividly describe a state of being overpowered or intensely affected by something. For instance, "The team's efforts are consumed by the upcoming deadline" effectively conveys the all-encompassing nature of the task.

Common error

Avoid using "are consumed by" in everyday situations where a more neutral phrase would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic. For instance, instead of "I am consumed by hunger", try "I am very hungry".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are consumed by" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is acted upon by an external force or entity. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing states of being overwhelmed, used up, or destroyed, as seen in phrases like "patients are consumed by their hallucinations" or "energies are consumed by scandal."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are consumed by" is a versatile passive construction used to describe a state of being overwhelmed, engrossed, or depleted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news media and scientific writing. While its flexibility makes it applicable in both formal and informal settings, overuse in overly dramatic contexts should be avoided to maintain clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "are overwhelmed by" or "are engrossed in" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are overwhelmed by

Implies being overpowered by a feeling or situation, suggesting a strong emotional impact.

are engrossed in

Focuses on being completely absorbed in something, often suggesting deep interest or engagement.

are absorbed in

Suggests being deeply immersed or engaged, similar to "engrossed in" but can also imply a loss of self-awareness.

are preoccupied with

Highlights a state of being constantly thinking about something, potentially to the exclusion of other things.

are immersed in

Similar to "absorbed in", but emphasizes a deeper level of engagement and involvement.

are ruled by

Indicates that something has control or dominant influence over someone or something.

are dominated by

Suggests that something is controlled or heavily influenced by something else.

are eaten up by

Emphasizes a gradual depletion or destruction by something, often implying a negative or corrosive influence.

are steeped in

Implies being saturated or deeply influenced by something, often referring to knowledge or experience.

are depleted by

Focuses on the exhaustion of resources or energy due to something, emphasizing a loss or reduction.

FAQs

How can I use "are consumed by" in a sentence?

You can use "are consumed by" to describe a state of being overwhelmed or deeply affected by something. For example: "Her thoughts "are consumed by" worries about the future".

What's a less dramatic alternative to "are consumed by"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "are focused on", "are preoccupied with", or "are absorbed in". These offer similar meanings with less intensity.

Is it correct to say "is consumed by" instead of "are consumed by"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is consumed by" for singular subjects (e.g., "He is consumed by guilt"), and "are consumed by" for plural subjects (e.g., "They are consumed by ambition").

What is the difference between "are consumed by" and "are obsessed with"?

"Are obsessed with" implies a strong, often irrational, fixation on something. "Are consumed by", on the other hand, suggests a more encompassing influence, where thoughts, emotions, or resources are dominated by something. While one can be obsessed without being fully consumed, being consumed often suggests a more profound and impactful influence.